Dutasteride is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Dutasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It blocks an enzyme which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, it helps to shrink the prostate and relieve the symptoms like difficulty in passing urine.

Decreased libido, Decreased semen volume, Impotence

• Your doctor has prescribed Dutasteride to shrink the enlarged prostate and reduce the risk of urinary retention.
• It may take 3 to 6 months to see the full beneficial effect of Dutasteride. Hence, continue taking the medicine as advised by your doctor.
• Dutasteride is usually well tolerated. However, it may produce some mild sexual side effects such as low sexual drive.
• Do not donate blood for 6 months after taking the last dose of Dutasteride.

Ques. Q. Is dutasteride safe?
Dutasteride is safe, if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor

Ques. Q. Is dutasteride better than finasteride?
Dutasteride and finasteride belongs to same category of drugs with similar action, but their effect may vary upon individual response

Ques. Q. Is dutasteride a generic drug?
Yes, it is a generic drug

Ques. Q. Does dutasteride help in preventing hair loss?
No, it may cause hair loss.

Ques. Q. Is dutasteride a hormone/antiandrogen/steroid?
No, it belongs to class of medication called called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors

Ques. Q. Is dutasteride same as finasteride?
Dutasteride and finasteride belongs to same category of drugs with similar action, but their effect may vary upon individual response

Ques. Q. Is dutasteride cytotoxic?
No, it is not cytotoxic

Ques. Q. Does dutasteride increase or decrease testosterone/ weight loss/hair loss / depression/shredding?
Dutasteride may cause hair loss. Increase or decrease in testosterone, weight loss depression and shredding is not observed clinically Patients should follow doctor's advice regarding possible side effects

Ques. Q. Can I take Dutasteride with Tamsulosin?
Yes, Dutasteride can be taken with Tamsulosin. This combination is safe, well tolerated and works well in decreasing the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Tamsulosin relaxes the bladder muscles and provides immediate relief by helping in free passage of urine and Dutasteride decreases the size of the prostate and provides a long-term relief in symptoms.