Avodart (Dutasteride)

What is Avodart?

Avodart (dutasteride) is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound. This is a selective inhibitor of both type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5(alpha)-reductase (5AR) which is an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to 5(alpha)-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It prevents conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body. DHT is responsible for the development of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).

What is Avodart used for?

Avodart is indicated for the treatment of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) in men with enlarged prostate. It reduces urinary blockage and improves urinary flow, thereby reducing the risk of acute urinary retention. The drug also reduces the risk of the need for prostate surgery later in life.

How does Avodart work?

Avodart works by reducing amounts of hormone responsible for prostate growth (dihydrotestosterone).

How to use Avodart

Avodart should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Do not use it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, open, break or chew an Avodart capsule. Swallow it. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your prostate checked on a regular basis while using Avodart. Your prostate specific antigen (PSA) may also be tested to detect prostate cancer.

Avodart warnings and precautions

Avodart should not be used by women or children as it can be absorbed by the skin. If a woman accidently comes into contact with the drug, she must wash the area immediately with soap and water. Before using Avodart, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this drug or finasteride (Proscar, Propecia).

While taking Avodart and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends, do not donate blood. Pregnant women must not use the drug as it can cause some serious birth defects in an unborn baby. Even if a woman is exposed to the drug during pregnancy, it may cause harm to the fetus.

What do I do if I have missed a Avodart dose?

If you have missed your Avodart dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Avodart overdose?

An overdose of Avodart does not produce serious consequences. If you have taken an Avodart overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Avodart interactions

Before taking Avodart, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like isoniazid (for treatment of tuberculosis), imatinib (Gleevec), conivaptan (Vaprisol), an antibiotic such as dalfopristin or quinupristin (Synercid), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or erythromycin (EryPed, E.E.S., Erythrocin, Ery-Tab); HIV/AIDS medication such as delavirdine (Rescriptor), ritonavir (Norvir),  indinavir (Crixivan), atazanavir (Reyataz), nelfinavir (Viracept), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), or saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase); an antidepressant such as nefazodone; heart or blood pressure medicine such as nicardipine (Cardene), diltiazem (Dilacor, Cardizem, Tiazac), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Covera, Verelan), or quinidine (Quinaglute, Quin-Release, Quinidex); or an antifungal medication such as voriconazole (Vfend), itraconazole (Sporanox), clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), or ketoconazole (Nizoral). Such drugs can interact with Avodart.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drug

Avodart side effects

Avodart side effects include hives, breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; allergic reactions, impotence, decreased sex drive, breast tenderness or enlargement, decrease in the amount of semen released during sex. If you get any of these side effects after using Avodart, contact your doctor right away.