Dutasteride is an oral medication used to treat the symptoms of BPH. It is also used for the treatment of male baldness and as a part of hormone therapy in transgender women.
Common side effects include sexual problems, breast tenderness, and gynecomastia. Other side effects include an increased risk of certain forms of prostate cancer, depression, and angioedema.
Exposure during pregnancy, including use by the partner of a pregnant woman may result in harm to the baby.
Mechanism of action: Dutasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor, and hence is a type of antiandrogen. It works by decreasing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen sex hormone.
Synonyms
Avodart