Brand Name
Avodart
Common Name
dutasteride
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02247813 | AVODART 0.5MG CAPSULE |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Dutasteride belongs to a class of medications called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and is used to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with enlarged prostates. BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that usually occurs in men after the age of 50.
Dutasteride works to reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes enlargement of the prostate gland. Dutasteride relieves symptoms of BPH by reducing the size of the prostate and improving the flow of urine.
This medication improves symptoms associated with BPH, such as:
- decreased urine flow
- difficulty urinating
- getting up to urinate during the night
- hesitation at the start of urination
It may take 6 months or more to see the full effects of this medication. Dutasteride reduces the likelihood of prostate surgery for men with BPH. It must be taken on a regular basis to be effective. If the medication is stopped, the prostate will start to grow again.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of dutasteride is 0.5 mg once daily, with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each opaque, yellow, oblong-shaped, soft gelatin capsule, marked with "GXCE2" in red ink on one side, contains dutasteride 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: caprylic/capric acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, gelatin (from certified, BSE-free, nonporcine sources), glycerol, iron oxide yellow, lecithin, medium chain triglycerides, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide red.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Dutasteride should not be used by:
- anyone who is allergic to dutasteride or to any of the ingredients of this medication
- anyone who is allergic to medications in the same family (e.g., finasteride)
- women or children
Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.
