Avodart
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules
Avodart (Dutasteride) 0.5 mg capsules is a dual 5α‑reductase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with enlarged prostate. By blocking conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Avodart reduces prostate volume, improves urinary flow, and decreases risk of acute urinary retention and BPH‑related surgery.
Dutasteride – 0.5 mg per soft gelatin capsule
Other Popular and Common Names
Avodart® Capsules
Dual 5α‑Reductase Inhibitor
Dutasterida (generic)
Brand Variants: Duodart® (with tamsulosin)
Dutasteride competitively and selectively inhibits both type 1 and type 2 isoforms of 5α‑reductase, the enzymes that convert testosterone into the potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Reduction of serum and intraprostatic DHT by >90 % leads to decreased prostate epithelial proliferation and gradual gland shrinkage.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Treatment of symptomatic BPH to improve urinary symptoms, increase urinary flow rate, and reduce risk of acute urinary retention and ongoing BPH‑related surgery.
Population Dose Frequency Duration
Adult Men (>18 yrs) 0.5 mg capsule Once daily At least 6 months to assess response; long‑term therapy as needed

Administration: Swallow whole with water, with or without food, at the same time each day.

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless within 12 hours of next dose; do not double.

Prescribing Information
Formulation: Soft gelatin capsule

Strength: 0.5 mg

Route: Oral

Legal Status: Prescription Only Medicine
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in women and children; teratogenic risk—handle capsules with gloves if pregnant women may be exposed.

Breastfeeding: Not applicable.

Hepatic Impairment: Avoid use in severe liver disease; dutasteride is extensively metabolised by the liver.

Elderly: No dosage adjustment required, but monitor for side effects associated with hormonal changes.
Erectile dysfunction
Decreased libido
Ejaculatory disorders
Breast tenderness or enlargement
Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria)

Depression

Testicular pain

High‑grade prostate cancer (associated with longer‑term use; monitor PSA trends)
Prostate Cancer Monitoring: Dutasteride lowers PSA by approximately 50 %; double PSA values when interpreting and monitor accordingly.

Male Infertility: May reduce sperm count; counsel men wishing to father a child.

Drug Handling: Women who are or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken capsules.

Delayed Onset: Symptomatic improvement may take 3–6 months; continue therapy even if immediate relief is not apparent.
Therapeutic Class: Urologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: 5α‑Reductase Inhibitor

Legal Category: Prescription Only
CYP3A4 Inhibitors/Inducers: Dutasteride is metabolised by CYP3A4; strong inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase levels, inducers (e.g., rifampin) may reduce efficacy.

Alpha‑Blockers (e.g., tamsulosin): Combination therapy (Duodart®) provides greater symptom relief; monitor blood pressure and orthostatic tolerance.

Anticoagulants: No significant interactions known.

5α‑Reductase Inhibitors: Avoid combining with finasteride.
The CombAT trial demonstrated that dutasteride plus tamsulosin reduced BPH progression risk by 66 % over 4 years versus monotherapy, and dutasteride alone reduced prostate volume by ~25 % at 2 years .

Long‑term extension studies show sustained symptom improvement and reduced BPH‑related surgery rates.

FAQs – Avodart® (Dutasteride)
Q1. How soon will I notice symptom relief?
A: Improvements in urinary symptoms typically appear after 3–6 months; prostate volume reduction is gradual.

Q2. Can Avodart be used to prevent prostate cancer?
A: Not approved for cancer prevention; it reduces PSA and may alter prostate cancer risk profile.

Q3. What monitoring is required?
A: Baseline and annual PSA, digital rectal exam; adjust PSA values for dutasteride effect by doubling observed values.

Q4. Is combination therapy better?
A: Combination with an alpha‑blocker may offer faster symptom relief and reduce progression more than either agent alone.

Q5. Can dutasteride affect fertility?
A: It may reduce sperm count; men planning paternity should consider alternative treatments.

Q6. What if I miss doses?
A: Take within 12 hours; otherwise skip and resume usual schedule.

Q7. Can older men use Avodart safely?
A: Yes. No dose adjustment; monitor for increased risk of side effects such as sexual dysfunction.

Avodart, Dutasteride, 5α‑Reductase Inhibitor, BPH Treatment, Prostate Volume Reduction, CombAT Trial, Urinary Flow Improvement, EZ Chemist, Urology Medication, Prostate Health