Avodart, Dutasteride An Overiew

Avodart [Dutasteride], marketed by GSK, is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy in men with enlarged prostate. Avodart [Dutasteride], blocks the action of the 5-alpha-reductase enzymes that convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Avodart [Dutasteride] inhibits both isoforms of 5-alpha reductase [Type 1 and Type 2] unlike finasteride, a drug belonging to the same class of drugs but inhibiting only one form of 5-alpha reductase. It is a competitive and specific inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Avodart [Dutasteride] helps improve urinary flow and may also reduce for a prostatic surgery later on. It also helps in decreasing the chances of carcinoma prostate.

Benign Prostate Hypertrophy:

Benign prostate hypertrophy also known as benign enlargement of prostate is a condition seen in middle aged men and elder men in which there is increase in the size of prostate. There is hyperplasia of prostatic stromal cells and epithelial cells leading to formation of large nodules in the peri-urethral area of the prostate. Hence if these nodules are large enough then they can suppress the urethral canal completely or partially leading to obstruction in urine flow leading to - urinary hesitancy, - frequent urination - increased risk of urinary tract infections due to stasis of bacteria in the bladder residue - incomplete voiding - Post-urination dribble - Nocturia– need to urinate during the night - Intermittency - Dysuria: painful urination - weak urinary stream, - straining - Urinary retention which may be acute [inability to void] or chronic in which there is gradual increase in the residual urinary volume, distending the bladder. This may lead to renal failure termed as obstructive uropathy. - Urinary bladder stone formation.

Dihydrotestosterone, a metabolite of testosterone plays a critical role in the growth of prostate. Dihydrotestosterone is synthesized under the action of the enzyme 5α-reductase, type 2 in the prostate from the circulating testosterone. Since this enzyme is localized primarily in the stromal cells; hence, these cells are the main site for the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone. Although all men show prostate hypertrophy as they age, especially after 70 years, the incidence of symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy is observed more in men have a western lifestyle than in men from rural areas. Benign hypertrophy of prostate is associated with increased levels of serum ‘prostate specific antigen [PSA]’ which is a marker for carcinoma prostate, it is not considered to be a pre-malignant condition. This condition is diagnosed mainly by rectal examination and by ultrasonography.

Indications and dosage:

Indications: - Monotherapy: Symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with enlarged prostate by improving symptoms, reducing the risk of acute retention of urine and reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia related surgery.

Avodart [Dutasteride] is used to treat urinary symptoms of Enlarging Prostate, and to reduce the risk of acute urinary retention (AUR) and prostate surgery.

Dosage: available in capsule form of 0.5 mg each

Special precautions:

Contraindications: - Patients who present with hypersensitivity to Avodart [Dutasteride] or other 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. - Pregnancy: Dutasteride inhibits the activity of 5α-reductase, which prevents conversion of testosterone to dihydrotesterone which is necessary for normal development of male genitalia. Hence male fetuses of pregnant females taking Avodart [Dutasteride] are at increased risk of abnormal external genitalia. It is advised that pregnant females should not even touch the capsule of Avodart [Dutasteride] since it is speculated that there may be some absorption through skin. The contact area should be immediately washed with soap and water. - Women of child bearing age - Children

Side Effects:

On Monotherapy:

Long-Term Treatment (Up to 4 Years): Long term treatment with Avodart [Dutasteride] is not found to be associated increased incidence of drug-related sexual adverse reactions (impotence, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorder) or breast disorders. No relationship between long-term use of Avodart [Dutasteride] and male breast neoplasia has been found out till date.

In combination with alpha blocker tamsulosin:

Hypersensitivity reactions like uritacaria, rash, pruritis, angioneurotic edema, etc.

Drug interactions:

Samir is the author of Avodart, Dutasteride information located at Genericsmed.com site

References: - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benign...ichyperplasia - http://www.drugs.com/avodart.html - http://health.yahoo.com/other-other/...-d04788a1.html - http://www.avodart.com/ - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avodart - http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_avodart.pdf.