Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline
Pharmaceutical name: Dutasteride
Pack: 30 pills (0.5 mg)
Avodart contains the active ingredient Dutasteride, which belongs to a class of medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It functions by blocking the action of a substance in the body called 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of testosterone.
The enlargement of the prostate gland, medically referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly occurs in men as they age and depends on testosterone being transformed into DHT within the prostate gland. When DHT is diminished, the prostate gland reduces in size. Thus, by limiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, dutasteride aids in shrinking the prostate gland.
The prostate gland is unique to men and is positioned at the upper part of the tube that connects the bladder to the outside (urethra). Enlargement of the prostate can exert pressure on the urethra and bladder, resulting in urinary issues such as trouble urinating and an increased need to urinate, particularly at night. By reducing the size of the prostate, dutasteride alleviates pressure on the bladder and urethra, promoting easier urine flow and alleviating associated urinary symptoms.
Avodart represents the most potent treatment currently available for male hair loss. Dutasteride is akin to finasteride found in Propecia but is regarded as a more effective DHT blocker since it inhibits both forms of 5-alpha reductase. It has demonstrated better outcomes compared to finasteride, especially in the front region of the scalp, and is effective for patients who do not respond to finasteride anymore. Dutasteride is intended for use by adult men only.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, difficulty in breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Milder side effects may include: reduced libido (sexual drive); a decreased amount of semen released during intercourse; impotence (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection); or breast tenderness or swelling.
This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and others may occur.