Avodart (Dutasteride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Avodart

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia »

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate is a small organ about the size of a walnut. It lies below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). The prostate makes a fluid that helps to nourish sperm as part of the semen (ejaculatory fluid).

Prostate problems are common in men 50 and older. Most can be treated successfully without harming sexual function. A urologist is a specialist in diseases of the urinary system, including diagnosing and treating problems of the prostate gland.

How does the doctor detect prostate enlargement?

A doctor usually can detect an enlarged prostate by rectal exam. The doctor also may examine the urethra, prostate, and bladder using a cytoscope, an instrument that is inserted through the penis.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is nonmalignant...

Read the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia article »

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Avodart User Reviews >>

Avodart

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AVODART
(dutasteride)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

AVODART is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound that is a selective inhibitor of both the type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5 alpha-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.

Dutasteride is chemically designated as (5α,17β)-N-{2,5 bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}-3 oxo-4-azaandrost-1-ene-17-carboxamide. The empirical formula of dutasteride is C₂₇H₃₀F₆N₂O₂, representing a molecular weight of 528.5 with the following structural formula:

AVODART (dutasteride) Structural Formula Illustration

Dutasteride is a white to pale yellow powder with a melting point of 242° to 250°C. It is soluble in ethanol (44 mg/mL), methanol (64 mg/mL), and polyethylene glycol 400 (3 mg/mL), but it is insoluble in water.

Each AVODART Soft Gelatin Capsule, administered orally, contains 0.5 mg of dutasteride dissolved in a mixture of mono-di-glycerides of caprylic/capric acid and butylated hydroxytoluene. The inactive excipients in the capsule shell are ferric oxide (yellow), gelatin (from certified BSE-free bovine sources), glycerin, and titanium dioxide. The soft gelatin capsules are printed with edible red ink.

What are the possible side effects of dutasteride (Avodart)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

decreased libido (sex drive);
decreased amount of semen released during sex;
impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
breast tenderness or enlargement.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Avodart »

What are the precautions when taking dutasteride (Avodart)?

Before taking dutasteride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to finasteride; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Do not donate blood while you are taking this medication and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. This will prevent the possibility of your blood being given to a pregnant woman.

This medication is not usually used in women....

Read All Potential Precautions of Avodart »

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/16/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.