Dutasteride (Avodart)
doo-TAS-ter-ide
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
FDA approved for BPH. Off-label use for hair loss prevention.
Standard Dose
Daily or EOD
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Oral
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
Dutasteride lowers DHT by blocking both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. It can be used to treat BPH and may help reduce DHT-related hair loss. Because it lasts a long time in the body, potential side effects may also persist after stopping.
Plain-language summary
Dutasteride lowers DHT by blocking both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. It can be used to treat BPH and may help reduce DHT-related hair loss. Because it lasts a long time in the body, potential side effects may also persist after stopping.
Administration Routes
- Oral
Also known as
Mechanisms
Dual 5-alpha reductase inhibitor — inhibits both type 1 and type 2 5-AR enzymes, reducing conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Detailed mechanism
Dual 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks both type 1 and type 2 enzymes, preventing conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). More complete DHT suppression than finasteride with longer duration of action.
Safety
Side effects
- Reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction (in some individuals)
- Gynecomastia (uncommon; can occur with hormonal changes)
- Mood changes/depression in a subset of users
- Persistent effects after discontinuation due to long half-life
Reported benefits
- Reduces DHT levels (commonly reported around 85–90%)
- Helps treat BPH
- May reduce DHT-related hair loss
- Used off-label to manage DHT-related side effects
Safety profile
Well-tolerated for many patients, but sexual side effects and persistent pharmacologic effects are possible. Discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.
Clinical trials
Completed clinical trials leading to FDA approval for BPH.
Structure
Verified structure
Dutasteride (Avodart)
Exact 2D structure can be rendered from a PubChem-backed canonical SMILES string.
- Chemical Formula
- C27H30F6N2O2
- Molecular Weight
- 528.53 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 164656-23-9
- InChIKey
- JWJOTENAMICLJG-VYZSUTEISA-N
Stack Context
Stacks with
References
- 1View source
Effect of dutasteride on the risk of prostate cancer: REDUCE randomized controlled trial (New Engl J Med)
2010
- 2View source
Combination therapy with dutasteride and tamsulosin for BPH: CombAT randomized controlled trial (Eur Urol)
2010
- 3View source
Avodart (dutasteride 0.5 mg) FDA-approved prescribing information for benign prostatic hyperplasia - NDA 021319 (FDA AccessData)
2017
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.