Dutasteride is a prescription medication approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged and can obstruct urine flow in men.
It belongs to a class of medications called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which work by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a hormone that promotes prostate growth. Lowering DHT levels helps shrink the prostate, improving symptoms like weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, and frequent or urgent nighttime urination.
Improvements in urinary symptoms may take several months of consistent use. In some cases, dutasteride may be used off-label to treat male pattern hair loss due to its DHT-lowering effects.
How to Use:
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Typical dose is to swallow one capsule whole once daily, with or without food
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Do not crush, chew, or open capsules
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Consistent use over several months is necessary for full effect
Warnings:
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Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle broken capsules due to risk of absorption through the skin
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Dutasteride can be taken alone or in combination with tamsulosin (an alpha-blocker) for enhanced symptom control
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Not approved for prostate cancer prevention—regular screening is still necessary