OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, drug interactions, and dosing recommendations of
dutasteride, a 5-α reductase inhibitor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966–February 2006) was conducted to extract human research data in the English language
on dutasteride. Search terms included benign prostatic hyperplasia, dutasteride, and finasteride. The reference lists of articles
identified through this search process, the manufacturer’s Web site, and dutasteride prescribing information were also examined.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All published studies and clinical data from the manufacturer were included, with
emphasis placed on randomized, controlled trials.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Dutasteride is approved for the treatment of symptomatic BPH in men with an enlarged prostate to improve
urinary symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and reduce the need for BPH-related surgical interventions. Compared
with placebo, dutasteride has been shown to significantly improve BPH symptoms, reduce the incidence of acute urinary retention
and BPH-related surgery, and improve BPH-related quality of life. Few published data exist comparing dutasteride with finasteride.
The most common adverse effects of dutasteride include ear, nose, and throat infection; malaise; headache; dizziness; and
musculoskeletal pain.
CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trials, sponsored primarily by the manufacturer, have shown dutasteride to be an effective treatment of BPH
compared with placebo and to likely possess efficacy similar to that of finasteride. Further studies are needed to gain a more clear
understanding of any clinically significant differences between dutasteride and finasteride.
KEY WORDS: androgen, benign prostatic hyperplasia, dutasteride, finasteride, prostate, 5-α reductase.
Published Online, 28 Mar 2006, www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1G540
THIS ARTICLE IS APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
ACPE UNIVERSAL PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-06-007-H01
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