- Dutasteride vs. finasteride for BPH quick comparison
- What is dutasteride? What is finasteride? How do they work?
- What are the uses for dutaseride vs. finasteride?
- Side effects of dutaseride vs. fintaseride
- What is the dosage of dutaseride vs. finasteride?
- Which drugs interact with dutaseride vs. finasteride?
- Is it safe to take dutaseride or finasateride if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Dutasteride vs. finasteride for BPH quick comparison
- Dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Proscar) are inhibitors of steroid 5 alpha-reductase.
- Both drugs are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate.
- Both dutasteride and finasteride help lower the amount of a specific hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), that causes growth of the prostate gland.
- utasteride is sometimes given with tamsulosin (Flomax), another drug used to treat signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
- Both drugs are available in generic forms.
- Side effects of dutasteride and finasteride that are similar include impotence and decreased sex drive, for example, impotence, decrease in interest in sex, testicle swelling or pain.
- Dutasteride may also cause ejaculation disorder, breast enlargement, and breast tenderness.
What is dutasteride? What is finasteride? How do they work?
Dutasteride (Avodart) is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound that is a selective inhibitor of both the type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5 alpha-reductase used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. The drug works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, which helps improve urinary flow and may also reduce the need for prostate surgery later. Dutasteride is sometimes given with tamsulosin (Flomax), which is used to treat signs and symptoms of enlarged prostate.
Finasteride (Proscar) is an inhibitor of steroid Type II 5a-reductase used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Finasteride works by decreasing the amount of a natural body hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that causes growth of the prostate, which lowers blood and tissue DHT levels and helps reduce the size of the prostate gland. While finasteride can result in reductions in the size of the prostate gland in virtually all patients who take it, only half will have improvement in the symptoms of BPH. Many patients respond to finasteride within several weeks, but it can take up to 6 months for patients to experience the full effects of the drug.
What are the uses for dutaseride vs. finasteride?
Dutasteride is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It improves symptoms of enlarged prostate, reduces retaining of urine, and reduces the risk of the need for prostate surgery.
Finasteride is prescribed for the treatment of enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) under the brand name "Proscar." Finasteride also is prescribed to treat male pattern baldness in androgenetic alopecia in males only, under the brand name Propecia.
Side effects of dutaseride vs. fintaseride
Similar sexual side effects of dutasteride and finasteride are:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Ejaculation disorder
- Breast enlargement and tenderness.
Other dutasteride side effects
- Allergic reaction such as swelling under the skin may occur. Dutasteride also increases risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Patients must contact their healthcare professional if unusual reactions to dutasteride occur.
Other finasteride side effects
- Finasteride should not be used by women, children, or male partners of women trying to become pregnant.
- Finasteride should not be used until a thorough prostate examination has been done to exclude cancer, stricture, or infection in the gland. Rarely, cases of male breast cancer have been reported.
What is the dosage of dutaseride vs. finasteride?
Dutasteride dosage: The recommended dose of dutasteride is 0.5 mg once daily; do not chew the medication and do not administer to pediatric patients.
Finasteride dosage: Finasteride is metabolized mainly by the liver, and caution should be used in patients with liver dysfunction. Finasteride may be taken with or without food.
Which drugs interact with dutaseride vs. finasteride?
Dutasteride drug interactions
- Medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), diltiazem (Cardizem), verapamil (Calan), ritonavir (Norvir) and clarithromycin (Biaxin) slow down the breakdown of dutasteride. This may lead to increased levels of dutasteride in the body, increasing side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and impotence.
- Medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and primidone (Mysoline) increase the breakdown of dutasteride in the body. This may lead to decreased levels of dutasteride in the body, lowering the beneficial effects of the medication.
Finasteride drug interactions generally are no problem.
Is it safe to take dutaseride or finasateride if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Dutasteride: Dutasteride is not recommended to pregnant females because it can cause birth defects in the unborn child. It is not known whether dutasteride enters breast milk.
Finasteride: Finasteride causes abnormal development of the sexual organs of the male fetus. Therefore, women who are pregnant or are likely to be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets in order to prevent absorption through the skin.
QUESTION
The prostate is about the size of a _____________. See AnswerSummary
Dutasteride (brand name Avodart) and finasteride (brand name Procar) are
medications prescribed for the treatment of an enlarged prostate (benign
prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). Both
dutasteride and finasteride delay the
progression of an enlarged prostate gland, which improves symptoms of BPH.
The side effects of both drugs are mostly sexual problems like breast
enlargement, impotence (erectile dysfunction, ED). However,
dutasteride may cause
allergic reactions, and increases the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. In
rare cases, finasteride has caused male breast cancer.
The recommended dose for dutasteride is 0.5 mg once daily. finasteride should
be used with caution if you have liver dysfunction. Neither drug should be used
in females or pediatric patients.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate) Quiz
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Related Disease Conditions
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Prostate Problems
The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system and is located between the bladder and penis. Signs and symptoms of prostate problems include painful ejaculation, burning or pain while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, dribbling urine, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and pain in the lower back, hips, upper thighs, or the pelvic or rectal area. Common causes of prostate problems in men are prostatitis, enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Causes of prostate problems can assist in diagnosing prostate cancer. Treatments for prostate problems include medications, surgery, and hormone or radiation therapy.
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Urinary Retention
Urinary retention (inability to urinate) may be caused by nerve disease, spinal cord injury, prostate enlargement, infection, surgery, medication, bladder stone, constipation, cystocele, rectocele, or urethral stricture. Symptoms include discomfort and pain. Treatment depends upon the cause of urinary retention.
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Prostatitis vs. BPH (Enlarged Prostate): What Is the Difference?
Prostatitis and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged prostate gland) are both conditions of the prostate gland. There are four types of prostatitis that can be caused by infections (usually bacterial) or other health conditions or problems, acute bacterial prostatitis (type I), chronic bacterial prostatitis (type II), chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (type III), and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (type IV). BPH is inflammation of the prostate gland, and most men have the condition by age 50. Doctor's don't know what causes this inflammation, but they theorize that it may be related to hormones. Both of these conditions can cause similar symptoms like low back pain, pain during urination, or difficulty or the inability to urinate. However, prostatitis has many more symptoms and signs than BPH, and they based on the type of prostatitis. Examples include low back pain and/or abdominal pain, painful urination, fever, chills, feeling tired, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), painful urination intermittently, intermittent obstruction urinary tract symptoms (frequent, painful, or incomplete urination), pelvic pain and/or discomfort, pain with ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction (ED). If you think you have either of these conditions contact your doctor or other health care professional. Bacterial prostatitis can be cured with antibiotics; however, there is no cure for BPH.
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Enlarged Prostate (BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) is very common in men over 50 years of age. Half of all men over the age of 50 develop symptoms of BPH, but few need medical treatment. This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can impede urine flow, slow the flow of urine, create the urge to urinate frequently and cause other symptoms like complete blockage of urine and urinary tract infections. More serious symptoms are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and complete blockage of the urethra, which may be a medical emergency. BPH is not cancer. Not all men with the condition need treatment, and usually is closely monitored if no symptoms are present. Treatment measures usually are reserved for men with significant symptoms, and can include medications, surgery, microwave therapy, and laser procedures. Men can prevent prostate problems by having regular medical checkups that include a prostate exam.
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Men's Health
Men's health is an important component to a happy lifestyle and healthy relationships. Eating healthy, exercise, managing stress, and knowing when to have medical tests for a particular age is key to disease prevention in men.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Top Dutasteride vs. Finasteride Related Articles
Enlarged Prostate (BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) is very common in men over 50 years of age. Half of all men over the age of 50 develop symptoms of BPH, but few need medical treatment. This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can impede urine flow, slow the flow of urine, create the urge to urinate frequently and cause other symptoms like complete blockage of urine and urinary tract infections. More serious symptoms are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and complete blockage of the urethra, which may be a medical emergency. BPH is not cancer. Not all men with the condition need treatment, and usually is closely monitored if no symptoms are present. Treatment measures usually are reserved for men with significant symptoms, and can include medications, surgery, microwave therapy, and laser procedures. Men can prevent prostate problems by having regular medical checkups that include a prostate exam.
dutasteride (Avodart)
Dutasteride (Avodart) is a prescription drug used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate). Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage information, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.BPH Slideshow
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition cause by an enlarged prostate. Get more information on how an enlarged prostate is diagnosed and available treatment for enlarged prostate glands.BPH Quiz
Take the Enlarge Prostate Quiz and challenge your knowledge of prostate problems. Learn causes, symptoms, treatments, and diagnosis as well as little-known facts about the prostate, and what happens to men when the prostate is enlarged.finasteride (Proscar)
Finasteride (Proscar) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of prostate gland enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy information, dosing, and patient information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
Flomax and Viagra for BPH Treatment
Flomax (brand name tamsulosin) is a medication doctors prescribe to males who have an enlarged prostate gland and who are having difficulty urinating due to a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Flomax blocks chemicals in the muscle cells of the penis to relax, which results in the ability to urinate. Viagra (brand name sildenafil) is a medication doctors prescribe to men who are having problems getting and sustaining an erection (erectile dysfunction, ED, impotence). Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which allows for a man to get and keep an erection.
Common side effects of Flomax include:- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hay fever
- Anemia
- Abnormal taste in the mouth
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Less common side effect include:- Back pain
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Infection
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fainting
- Upper respiratory infections (URIs)
- Rash
Flomax does have serious side effects that include a prolonged erection, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (an eye problem), and orthostatic hypotension. Click here for dosage and drug interactions for Flomax.
Common side effects of Viagra include:- Flushing
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Nausea
- Back pain
- Problems with vision
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Rash
- Nasal congestion
- Dizziness
Click here for dosage and drug interaction information for Viagra.
REFERENCES: FDA Prescribing Information for Flomax and Viagra.Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride)
Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. The 2 medications in Jalyn work in different ways to improve symptoms of BPH. Dutasteride shrinks the enlarged prostate and tamsulosin relaxes muscles in the prostate and neck of the bladder. These 2 medications, when used together, can improve symptoms of BPH better than either medication when used alone. Jalyn may cause serious side effects including decreased blood pressure, rare and serious allergic reactions, a higher chance of a more serious form of prostate cancer, eye problems, and a painful erection that will not go away.Men's Health
Men's health is an important component to a happy lifestyle and healthy relationships. Eating healthy, exercise, managing stress, and knowing when to have medical tests for a particular age is key to disease prevention in men.Illustrations of Prostate
Side View of the Prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. See a picture of the Prostate and learn more about the health topic.Prostate Problems
The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system and is located between the bladder and penis. Signs and symptoms of prostate problems include painful ejaculation, burning or pain while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, dribbling urine, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and pain in the lower back, hips, upper thighs, or the pelvic or rectal area. Common causes of prostate problems in men are prostatitis, enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Causes of prostate problems can assist in diagnosing prostate cancer. Treatments for prostate problems include medications, surgery, and hormone or radiation therapy.Prostatitis vs. BPH (Enlarged Prostate): What Is the Difference?
Prostatitis and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged prostate gland) are both conditions of the prostate gland.
There are four types of prostatitis that can be caused by infections (usually bacterial) or other health conditions or problems, acute bacterial prostatitis (type I), chronic bacterial prostatitis (type II), chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (type III), and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (type IV).
BPH is inflammation of the prostate gland, and most men have the condition by age 50. Doctor's don't know what causes this inflammation, but they theorize that it may be related to hormones. Both of these conditions can cause similar symptoms like low back pain, pain during urination, or difficulty or the inability to urinate. However, prostatitis has many more symptoms and signs than BPH, and they based on the type of prostatitis. Examples include low back pain and/or abdominal pain, painful urination, fever, chills, feeling tired, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), painful urination intermittently, intermittent obstruction urinary tract symptoms (frequent, painful, or incomplete urination), pelvic pain and/or discomfort, pain with ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
If you think you have either of these conditions contact your doctor or other health care professional. Bacterial prostatitis can be cured with antibiotics; however, there is no cure for BPH.
Urinary Retention
Urinary retention (inability to urinate) may be caused by nerve disease, spinal cord injury, prostate enlargement, infection, surgery, medication, bladder stone, constipation, cystocele, rectocele, or urethral stricture. Symptoms include discomfort and pain. Treatment depends upon the cause of urinary retention.