Dutasteride (Dutas) 0.5 mg Tabs is an oral synthetic 4-azasteroid, a 5α-reductase inhibitor used on its own or together with other medicines to treat enlarged prostate gland in men known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) which may cause problems in urination.
Dutasteride helps to shrink the prostate so as to improve symptoms such as difficulty in passing urine, slow or interrupted flow of urine, frequent urination, and dribbling after passing urine. It may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Drug = Dutasteride
Strength = 0.5 mg
Manufacturer = Ranbaxy
Quantity per sleeve = 30 Capsules (for the price quoted)
How To Take Dutasteride (Dutas) 0.5 mg Tabs
This medicine may be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, break or open the capsule as Dutasteride may irritate your mouth or throat.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Dutasteride even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take Dutasteride exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Dosage of Dutasteride (Dutas) 0.5 mg Tabs
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: 500 mcg once daily for at least 6 months.
Missed Dose of Dutasteride (Dutas) 0.5 mg Tabs
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double a dose under any circumstances.
Overdose
If you think you may have used Dutasteride more than the usual dose, please seek medical help immediately
Contraindications of Dutasteride (Dutas) 0.5 mg Tabs
People with the following medical conditions should not take Dutasteride:
- Women
- Children
- Adolescents
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Side Effects of Dutasteride (Dutas) 0.5 mg Tabs
Dutasteride may have the following side effects:
- Impotence
- Decreased libido
- Ejaculation disorder
- Breast disorders (tenderness, enlargement)
- Breast cancer
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Urticaria
- Localised edema
- Serious skin reactions
- Angioedema
- Depressed mood
- Testicular pain and swelling
- Decreased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration
Warnings of Dutasteride (Dutas) 0.5 mg Tabs
Do not use in people with the following conditions:
- Severe liver disease
- Women
- Children
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- Diltiazem
- Verapamil
- Nefazodone
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Indinavir
- Ritonavir
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dutasteride.
How Does It Work?
Dutasteride works by blocking both isoforms of 5α-reductase enzymes, type 1 (skin and hepatic) and type 2 (reproductive tissues), in a potent, selective, and irreversible manner. This results in inhibition of the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and markedly suppresses serum dihydrotestosterone levels.
Uses
Dutasteride is used to treat the following conditions:
Special Precautions and Connected Warnings
Take special precautions if you have the following condition:
- Mild to moderate hepatic impairment
- Avoid alcohol
Storage Conditions
- Store at 25°C.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not use Dutasteride that is expired or out of expiry date.
