Dutasteride Tablets (1 Stripe)

Description

Product Introduction

Dutasteride tablets are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. They are primarily used to treat androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) by lowering dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and slows hair growth. Dutasteride, by reducing DHT in the scalp, slows hair loss, preserves existing hair, and promotes new hair growth when used regularly.

Dutasteride tablets should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. They are intended for oral use only and should be swallowed whole with water. Because hair growth is slow, it may take 2–6 months to see noticeable results. Even so, the initial regrowth may be soft, thin, and light-coloured. Increasing the dose or taking it more frequently will not produce faster results and may increase the risk of side effects.

This medication must be taken on a regular and continuous basis to maintain hair benefits. If you stop treatment, you may lose the hair you've gained within a few months. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after six months of consistent use.

Common side effects include low libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory problems, and breast tenderness. These effects are typically mild and may improve with time. If you observe any breast lumps, nipple discharge, or ongoing sexual side effects, please reach out to your doctor promptly.

Dutasteride should not be used in people under 18, women, or individuals with liver disease and is unsafe for use during pregnancy. It should also not be handled by pregnant women due to the risk of absorption through the skin. Inform your doctor if you have prostate issues or take medications affecting liver enzymes.

Uses for Dutasteride Tablets

• Treatment of hair loss (Male pattern baldness)

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Although not the focus of this article, Dutasteride is approved for prostate enlargement.

The advantages of dutasteride tablets

Treatment of Hair Loss

Dutasteride Tablets are extremely effective in treating male pattern baldness, particularly in cases where hair loss has been ongoing for several years. They work by inhibiting both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase enzymes, resulting in significantly lower scalp and serum DHT levels. This reduction helps

• Slow, ongoing hair thinning

• Prevent additional hair loss.

• Thicken miniature (weak) hair follicles.

• Promote new terminal (thick) hair growth.

Dutasteride is generally regarded as more effective than finasteride because it inhibits a broader range of DHT-producing enzymes. Hair regrowth is most noticeable in the crown and mid-scalp areas, with less improvement at the frontal hairline. The duration and severity of hair loss influence the results, which vary from person to person.

Regular application enhances hair density, elevates self-assurance, and facilitates long-term scalp coverage. Follow your doctor's instructions for the best results.

Side effects of Dutasteride tablets:

The majority of side effects are minor and gradually improve as your body adjusts. If any symptoms persist or cause you concern, consult your doctor.

Common Side Effects

1. Reduced libido (low sexual desire)

2. Erectile dysfunction

3. Difficulty with ejaculation

4. Breast tenderness or enlargement

5. Dizziness

6. Reduced sperm count (rare)

In rare cases, symptoms may persist even after stopping the medication; inform your doctor if this occurs.

How to Use Dutasteride Tablets

• Take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.

• Swallow the tablet whole, without crushing or chewing.

• Can be consumed with or without food.

• Take it at the same time every day to ensure consistency.

How do Dutasteride tablets work?

Dutasteride inhibits the action of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in progressive hair loss. By reducing DHT levels:

• Hair follicle miniaturisation slows down.
  
  

• Hair fall decreases.
  
  

• New hair growth is improved.
  
  

• The existing hair becomes thicker and stronger.
  
  

This mechanism explains why Dutasteride is such an effective treatment for male pattern alopecia.

Safety advice

Alcohol

There are currently no known significant interactions.

Pregnancy

UNSAFE 

Dutasteride is strictly prohibited in women, particularly during pregnancy, because it can cause birth defects in a male fetus. Pregnant women should avoid touching broken or leaking tablets.

Breastfeeding

This is not recommended. Dutasteride is not indicated for women, and its safety during breastfeeding is unknown.

Driving

There are no known effects on driving ability.

Kidney

Safe, no dose adjustment is usually required.

Liver

Caution advised: Dutasteride is metabolised in the liver. Avoid use in severe liver disease unless advised by your doctor.

What if You Forget a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose.

All Substitutes

(For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before switching medicines.)

1. Dutas Tablets (Dr Reddy’s Laboratories)
   
   

2. Duprost Capsules (Cipla)
   
   

3. Veltam-D Tablets (Intas)
   
   

4. Avodart Capsules (Original brand)
   
   

5. Dutagen Tablets (Sun Pharma)
   
   

Prices may vary.

Quick Tips

• Take Dutasteride consistently; missing doses can reduce effectiveness.

• Do not expect instant results: hair regrowth takes several months.

• Not recommended for women; pregnant women should avoid handling the medicine.

• Report breast changes (pain, lumps, nipple discharge) immediately.

• Do not stop the medicine suddenly; results may reverse.

• Combining with Minoxidil (topical or oral) often gives better results (only if recommended by your doctor).

Fact Box

Chemical Class: Inhibitors of 5-Alpha Reductase

Habit Formation: No.

Therapeutic Class: Androgen Inhibitors/Hair Loss Treatment

Action Class: DHT Blockers (Inhibition of Type I and II 5-Alpha Reductases)

Interaction with Drugs

Combining Dutasteride with the following medications may increase interactions or side effects:

Moderate Interactions

• Ketoconazole (oral)

• Erythromycin

• Verapamil / Diltiazem

• Ritonavir

• Itraconazole

• Cimetidine

Because they inhibit liver enzymes, these drugs may raise Dutasteride levels in the bloodstream. Your doctor may monitor you or adjust your dosage accordingly.

Mild interactions.

• Warfarin (monitor clotting parameters)

• Alpha-blockers (may enhance the effect when combined for prostate treatment)