Avodart (Dutasteride)

Description

Avodart is a synthetic medication. It is an inhibitor of steroid 5 alpha-reductase. Its main component is dutasteride.

 

 

 

Uses

 

Avodart is used as a form of treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the main causes of BPH. DHT is formed when steroid 5 alpha-reductase converts testosterone to DHT.

 

Avodart inhibits this conversion. This medication helps to decrease the size of an enlarged prostate, one of the symptoms of BPH.

 

Avodart also eases the difficulty and discomfort that is associated with BPH, particularly with urination. This medication facilitates the beginning of urination. It also increases the flow while urinating. Furthermore, it reduces the number of times that people with BPH have to urinate, especially at night. This medication may even lower the likelihood that surgery will have to be performed on an enlarged prostate.

 

Contact your physician to learn about what other benefits you may get from taking this medication.

 

Dosage

 

Always follow the prescription that your doctor has provided you with. Do not take Avodart in lower or higher doses than you have been instructed to.

 

This medication should be taken orally.

 

The total recommended dosage for Avodart is 0.5 mg a day. This should be taken once a day. This medication may be taken with or without food.

 

Do not chew this medication as it can irritate the mucus membranes in your throat.

 

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is due soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

 

In the event of an overdose, contact your local medical emergency services.

 

Side Effects

 

Some of the side effects that may be experienced while taking Avodart are:

 

 Unusual sexual dysfunction
 Decrease in libido
 Reduced sexual performance
 Impotence
 Discomfort and enlargement from breasts
 Discharge from breasts
 Discomfort in chest
 Prominent veins in neck
 Tiredness
 Erratic breathing
 Erratic heartbeat
 Enlargement of limbs
 Changes in weight
 Gasping

 

In the event that you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

 

Contraindications

 

 This medication should not be used by women, especially ones who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Avodart should not be consumed by children.

 

 Do not take this medication if you are allergic to 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor or any other compounds found in Avodart.

 

 Do not take this medication if you have had prostate cancer or are currently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Avodart may slightly increase the probability of developing prostate cancer.

 

 Inform your physician if you have had a history of liver, heart, or kidney disease.

 

 Inform your doctor if you have difficulties with urinating or suffer from other bladder ailments.

 

 Certain drugs may interact negatively if taken with Avodart. Inform your physician if you have been prescribed some of the following medications. For instance, antifungal drugs, antidepressants, HIV drugs, tuberculosis medications, and blood pressure drugs may be harmful when taken with Avodart.

 

 Do not donate blood at least six months after you have stopped taking this medication. This will ensure that it is not given to a pregnant woman.