Avodart™ (dutasteride)

Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Indication(s): Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Administration:  0.5mg orally once daily.

Pharmacology:  Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase (5AR) to prevent the conversion of testosterone to 5-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  DHT is an androgen primarily responsible for the initial development and subsequent enlargement of the prostate gland.

WebRx Editorial Notes:  The maximum effect of dutasteride is dose dependent.  Beneficial effects occur after about two weeks of initiation of therapy.  Food reduces drug absorption by approximately 10% to 15%.  This drug is metabolized by hepatic CYP3A4.  Dutasteride would therefore be expected to interact with other drugs metabolized by this pathway such as ketoconazole, ritonavir, verapamil, diltiazem, cimetidine, and ciprofloxacin.

Avodart soft gelatin capsules should not be handled by women who are or may become pregnant due to the possibility of cutaneous absorption of dutasteride and potential harm to a developing male fetus.  For the same reason males taking dutasteride should not donate blood for up to 6 months after discontinuing treatment.

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