Dutasteride is a prescription medication licensed for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. This eMedTV article highlights how it works, when and how to take it, what to do if you overdose, and potential side effects to look out for.
This eMedTV segment discusses some common side effects of dutasteride (such as erectile dysfunction, a decreased libido, and abnormal ejaculation), as well as side effects that you should report to your doctor (such as signs of an allergic reaction).
Some people ask, "What is dutasteride used for?" Dutasteride is used to treat an enlarged prostate. This eMedTV page also covers the drug's off-label uses (like treating male pattern baldness) and explains that it is not approved for use in children.
The dutasteride dose for people with an enlarged prostate is 0.5 mg once daily. This eMedTV Web page outlines some general dutasteride dosing guidelines (such as taking the medicine at the same time every day and never crushing or chewing it).
Quinidine, isoniazid, and diclofenac are a few of the drugs that can potentially interact with dutasteride. This eMedTV segment explains how drug interactions with dutasteride can potentially increase your risk of side effects.
This eMedTV page takes an in-depth look at some precautions and warnings with dutasteride, including potential sexual side effects of the drug and the danger of taking it during pregnancy. This page also explains who should avoid dutasteride.
As this eMedTV resource explains, you shouldn't buy any generic dutasteride drug until an approved generic is available. A generic for dutasteride won't be available in the United States until at least 2013, when the patent for dutasteride expires.
