Dutasteride 0.5 mg

Description

Dutasteride 0.5 mg is an oral medication used for the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in men. The medication belongs to the class of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It promotes hair growth and shrinks the size of the prostate. This medicine should be taken regularly in order to see the effects.

How it works

Dutasteride 0.5mg is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It blocks the action of 5-alpha reductase which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds with the hair follicles’ receptors making them lose their strength. This process causes harm to the natural hair cycle, which ends up in hair loss. The process also causes the prostate gland to increase in size. Dutasteride shrinks prostate size by preventing the conversion and prevents hair loss by lowering the levels of DHT.

Uses

• Androgenetic Alopecia – A condition that causes permanent hair loss of the scalp, leading to baldness.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – An age-associated condition that causes prostate enlargement, resulting in urination difficulty.

Recommended Dosage

A single tablet is recommended to be taken once daily. Do not consume more than one tablet in 24 hours unless advised otherwise.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is nearing the time for the next scheduled dose. In such cases, patients should skip the missed dose and continue with their regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose to compensate for a missed one.

Overdose

An overdose of this drug can lead to various side effects. Seek medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of Dutasteride 0.5mg tablets are:

• Less sexual desire
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Abnormal Ejaculation
• Testicular Pain
• Increased size of breast in male
• Breast tenderness in male
• Decreased Sperm Count

If any of the above-mentioned side effects persist for long, seek medical attention immediately.

Safety Advice

While taking Dutasteride o.5mg, some precautions should be taken to avoid any potential side effects. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Dutasteride is for use by men only and should not be used by women or children.
• If you are allergic to Dutasteride or Finasteride, let your doctor know about it.
• Before starting Dutasteride, patients should inform their healthcare provider of any allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, or other medications they are taking.
• It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and not exceed it.
• This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Patients should not donate blood while taking Dutasteride and for at least 6 months after discontinuing the medication, as it may be transferred to a pregnant woman through blood transfusion and harm the developing fetus.
• Discuss any concerns or potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

Medical Interactions

Dutasteride 0.5 mg can interact with certain drugs and alter the way it works. These include:

• HIV drugs such as atazanavir, ritonavir, indinavir, etc. can cause more of the medication to stay in the blood leading to an increased risk of side effects
• Antifungals such as ketoconazole, posaconazole
• Drugs for hypertension such as verapamil and diltiazem
• Cimetidine
• Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin
• St. John’s Wort

Substitutes

• Minoxidil
• Fincar 5 mg
• Finast 5 mg
• Finax 1 mg
• Finpecia 1 mg

Storage Instructions

• Keep the medicine in a dark, cool place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the medicine away from the reach of pets and children.
• Store the pills in an airtight container after the pack is opened.
• Do not consume the pills past their expiration date.

FAQs

1. Is Dutasteride 0.5 effective for hair loss treatment?

Dutasteride has shown promise in treating hair loss, especially in men. It works by inhibiting the hormone DHT, which plays a role in hair loss.

2. How long does it take to see results with Dutasteride 0.5mg for hair loss?

It may take several months(4-6 months) to see noticeable improvements in hair thickness and growth. Individual results can vary.

3. Can women use Dutasteride 0.5 tablets for hair loss?

Dutasteride is generally not recommended for women, especially those of childbearing age, due to potential risks to a developing fetus.

4. Can I stop using Dutasteride 0.5mg pills once I see hair improvement?

Discontinuing Dutasteride can lead to a reversal of hair growth, so it’s typically a long-term treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes.

5. Are there any alternative treatments for hair loss besides Dutasteride?

There are other hair loss treatments available, such as minoxidil and finasteride. Your healthcare provider can help you explore options.

6. Can I use Dutasteride with other hair loss products?

It’s essential to consult your healthcare provider before combining Dutasteride with other hair loss products to ensure safety and effectiveness.

7. Is Dutasteride 0.5 mg safe for long-term use?

Dutasteride is generally safe for long-term use when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. Regular check-ups are recommended to assess its continued effectiveness and safety.

References

• Arif T, Dorjay K, Adil M, Sami M. Dutasteride in Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2017;12(1):31-35. doi: 10.2174/1574884712666170310111125. PMID: 28294070.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28294070/
• Fertig RM, Gamret AC, Darwin E, Gaudi S. Sexual side effects of 5-α-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride: A comprehensive review. Dermatol Online J. 2017 Nov 11;23(11):13030/qt24k8q743. PMID: 29447628.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29447628/
• Hirshburg JM, Kelsey PA, Therrien CA, Gavino AC, Reichenberg JS. Adverse Effects and Safety of 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors (Finasteride, Dutasteride): A Systematic Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016 Jul;9(7):56-62. Epub 2016 Jul 1. PMID: 27672412; PMCID: PMC5023004.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5023004/#:~:text=The%20only%20finasteride%2Dassociated%20side,in%20former%20users%20of%20finasteride.
• Evans HC, Goa KL. Dutasteride. Drugs Aging. 2003;20(12):905-16; discussion 917-8. doi: 10.2165/00002512-200320120-00005. PMID: 14565784.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14565784/
• Wu C, Kapoor A. Dutasteride for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2013 Jul;14(10):1399-408. doi: 10.1517/14656566.2013.797965. PMID: 23750593.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23750593/

Written & Reviewed By

Dr. William Henderson

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