Dutasteride Side Effects, Warnings, Uses And Dosage
Dutasteride is a prescription medication that comes as an oral tablet. It can be purchased as the brand name mediactions avodart and is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the following short article, we discuss the brand names, uses, dosage, warnings and side effects of dutasteride.
Dutasteride Side Effects
Although dutasteride is generally very safe, it does come with some associated side effects. Some of these side effects are more serious and less common than others.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of dutasteride include the following:
- Decreased sex drive
- Ejaculation problems
- Trouble maintaining an erection
- Breast disorders
- Testicle pain or swelling
- Impotence
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
Other side effects of dutasteride are more serious and may require medical attention. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Chest pain
- Dilated neck veins
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Unusual tiredness
- Tightness in chest
- Extreme fatigue
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
About Dutasteride
Dutasteride is a prescription medication that can be used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men. It is often taken along with tamsulosin to treat this condition.
Dutasteride works by reducing the size of an enlarged prostate. This helps to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Dutasteride is not approved for the prevention or treatment or prostate cancer.
Why Use Dutasteride?
Dutasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition also known as enlarged prostate.
When your prostate becomes enlarged, it can pinch or squeeze your urethra and make it harder for you to urinate. Dutasteride helps increase your urine flow and decrease your risk of a complete blockage of urine flow.
Dutasteride Brand Names
Dutasteride is available as a generic drug and as a brand name medication under the following titles:
- Avodart.
How Dutasteride Works
Dutasteride belongs to a class of drugs called 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. As such, it prevents the formation of a hormone in your blood called dihydrotestoterone (DHT) that causes your prostate to grow.
Which Medications Interact With Dutasteride?
If your doctor has directed you to take dutasteride, your doctor or pharmacist should already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change your dosage before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.
Dutasteride may have moderate interactions with the following medications:
- Cimetidine
- Carbamazepine
- Rifabutin
- Nefazodone
- Clarithromycin
- Isoniazid
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
How To Take Dutasteride
Take dutasteride as directed by your doctor or another healthcare professional. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. You should take dutasteride at the same time every day. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Dutasteride Dosage
Your dosage for dutasteride may vary depending on the following factors:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Other medications you take
- How you react to the first dose
Dosage For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Adult: One 0.5mg per day, taken at the same time each day.
Considerations For Taking Dutasteride
Keep the following factors in mind if you plan to take dutasteride for a prolonged period of time.
- You should store your dutasteride tablets in a room with a temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep this drug away from light.
- Don't store this medication in moist or damp areas.
Dutasteride Warnings
The following warnings of dutasteride are relatively common and should be considered before you begin taking your medication
Prostate Cancer Warning
Taking dutasteride can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Your doctor should check for prostate cancer before you begin to take this medication.
Pregnancy Warning
If a woman is pregnant with a baby and accidentally takes dutasteride, the baby may be born with deformed sexual organs. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, do not take dutasteride, and talk to your doctor immediately.
Blood Donation Warning
Do not donate blood for the first 6 months after you begin taking dutasteride. This can help prevent passing dutasteride and negative side effects to a pregnant woman.
Dutasteride Side Effects, Warnings, Uses And Dosage: Summary
Dutasteride is a prescription medication that comes as an oral tablet. It can be purchased as the brand name mediactions avodart and is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
