Drug Reference

Dutasteride

Testosterone-5-alpha reductase inhibitors

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Therapeutic class
Testosterone-5-alpha reductase inhibitors
Action class
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor
Mechanism
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

AvodartJalyn

Available as

0.5 MG · Oral Capsule

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are a combination of dutasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, and tamsulosin, an alpha-adrenergic antagonist, indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use: Dutasteride-containing products, including dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, are not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment Dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of symptomatic BPH in men with an enlarged prostate. 1.2 Limitations of Use Dutasteride-containing products, including dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, are not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are a combination of 2 drugs with different mechanisms of action to improve symptoms in patients with BPH: dutasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, and tamsulosin, an antagonist of alpha 1A -adrenoreceptors. Dutasteride Dutasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT. DHT is the androgen primarily responsible for the initial development and subsequent enlargement of the prostate gland. Testosterone is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which exists as 2 isoforms, type 1 and type 2. The type 2 isoenzyme is primarily active in the reproductive tissues, while the type 1 isoenzyme is also responsible for testosterone conversion in the skin and liver. Dutasteride is a competitive and specific inhibitor of both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha-reductase isoenzymes, with which it forms a stable enzyme complex. Dissociation from this complex has been evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions and is extremely slow. Dutasteride does not bind to the human androgen receptor. Tamsulosin Smooth muscle tone is mediated by the sympathetic nervous stimulation of alpha 1 -adrenoceptors, which are abundant in the prostate, prostatic capsule, prostatic urethra, and bladder neck. Blockade of these adrenoceptors can cause smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate to relax, resulting in an improvement in urine flow rate and a reduction in symptoms of BPH. Tamsulosin, an alpha 1 -adrenoceptor blocking agent, exhibits selectivity for alpha 1 -receptors in the human prostate. At least 3 discrete alpha 1 -adrenoceptor subtypes have been identified: alpha 1A , alpha 1B , and alpha 1D ; their distribution differs between human organs and tissue. Approximately 70% of the alpha 1 -receptors in human prostate are of the alpha 1A subtype. Tamsulosin is not intended for use as an antihypertensive.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules is 1 capsule (0.5 mg dutasteride and 0.4 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride) taken once daily approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not chewed or opened. Contact with the contents of the dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsule may result in irritation of the oropharyngeal mucosa. Take one capsule daily approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day. ( 2 ) Swallow capsule whole. ( 2 )
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥1% of subjects treated with coadministered dutasteride and tamsulosin are ejaculation disorders, impotence, decreased libido, dizziness, and breast disorders. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AvKARE at 1-855-361-3993 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience The clinical efficacy and safety of coadministered dutasteride and tamsulosin, which are individual components of dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, have been evaluated in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group trial (the Combination with Alpha-Blocker Therapy, or CombAT, trial). Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trial of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reactions reported in subjects receiving coadministered dutasteride and tamsulosin were impotence, decreased libido, breast disorders (including breast enlargement and tenderness), ejaculation disorders, and dizziness. Ejaculation disorders occurred significantly more in subjects receiving coadministration therapy (11%) compared with those receiving dutasteride (2%) or tamsulosin (4%) as monotherapy. Trial withdrawal due to adverse reactions occurred in 6% of subjects receiving coadministered dutasteride and tamsulosin and in 4% of subjects receiving dutasteride or tamsulosin as monotherapy. The most common adverse reaction in all treatment arms leading to trial withdrawal was erectile dysfunction (1% to 1.5%). In the CombAT trial, over 4,800 male subjects with BPH were randomly assigned to receive 0.5 mg dutasteride, 0.4 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride, or coadministration therapy (0.5 mg dutasteride and 0.4 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride) administered once daily in a 4-year double-blind trial. Overall, 1,623 subjects received monotherapy with dutasteride; 1,611 subjects received monotherapy with tamsulosin; and 1,610 subjects received coadministration therapy. The population was aged 49 to 88 years (mean age: 66 years) and 88% were white. Table 1 summarizes adverse reactions reported in at least 1% of subjects receiving coadministration therapy and at a higher incidence than subjects receiving either dutasteride or tamsulosin as monotherapy. Table 1. Adverse Reactions Reported over a 48-Month Period in ≥1% of Subjects and More Frequently in the Coadministration Therapy Group than the Dutasteride or Tamsulosin Monotherapy Group (CombAT) by Time of Onset Adverse Reaction Adverse Reaction Time of Onset Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Months 0-6 Months 7-12 Coadministration a (n = 1,610) (n = 1,527) (n = 1,428) (n = 1,283) (n = 1,200) Dutasteride (n = 1,623) (n = 1,548) (n = 1,464) (n = 1,325) (n = 1,200) Tamsulosin (n = 1,611) (n = 1,545) (n = 1,468) (n = 1,281) (n = 1,112) Ejaculation disorders b,c Coadministration 7.8% 1.6% 1.0% 0.5% <0.1% Dutasteride 1.0% 0.5% 0.5% 0.2% 0.3% Tamsulosin 2.2% 0.5% 0.5% 0.2% 0.3% Impotence c,d Coadministration 5.4% 1.1% 1.8% 0.9% 0.4% Dutasteride 4.0% 1.1% 1.6% 0.6% 0.3% Tamsulosin 2.6% 0.8% 1.0% 0.6% 1.1% Decreased libido c,e Coadministration 4.5% 0.9% 0.8% 0.2% 0.0% Dutasteride 3.1% 0.7% 1.0% 0.2% 0.0% Tamsulosin 2.0% 0.6% 0.7% 0.2% <0.1% Breast disorders ,f Coadministration 1.1% 1.1% 0.8% 0.9% 0.6% Dutasteride 0.9% 0.9% 1.2% 0.5% 0.7% Tamsulosin 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.2% 0.0% Dizziness Coadministration 1.1% 0.4% 0.1% <0.1% 0.2% Dutasteride 0.5% 0.3% 0.1% <0.1% <0.1% Tamsulosin 0.9% 0.5% 0.4% <0.1% 0.0% a Coadministration = dutasteride 0.5 mg once daily plus tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily. b Includes anorgasmia, retrograde ejaculation, semen volume decreased, orgasmic sensation decreased, orgasm abnormal, ejaculation delayed, ejaculation disorder, ejaculation failure, and premature ejaculation. c These sexual adverse reactions are associat

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated for use in pregnancy because it may cause harm to the male fetus [see Contraindications (4) ] . Dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are not indicated for use in females. Dutasteride, a component of dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that prevents conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone necessary for normal development of male genitalia. Abnormalities in the genitalia of male fetuses are an expected physiological consequence of inhibition of this conversion. These results are similar to observations in male infants with genetic 5-alpha-reductase deficiency. In animal reproduction studies, dutasteride inhibited normal development of external genitalia in male offspring when given to rats or rabbits during organogenesis at less than the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 0.5 mg daily, in the absence of maternal toxicity. At 15 times the MRHD, prolonged pregnancy, decreased reproductive organ weights, and delayed puberty in male offspring were observed in rats, with no-effect levels less than the MRHD of 0.5 mg daily. Increased placental weights in rabbits were also observed, with no-effect levels less than the MRHD of 0.5 mg daily (see Data) . Although dutasteride is secreted into human semen, the drug concentration in the human female partner is approximately 100 times less than concentrations producing abnormalities of male genitalia in animal studies (see Data) . In monkeys dosed during organogenesis at blood concentrations comparable to or above levels to which a human female partner is estimated to be exposed, male offspring external genitalia was not adversely affected. No feminization occurred in male offspring of untreated female rats mated to treated male rats even though detectable blood levels of dutasteride were observed in the female rats [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . No adverse developmental effects were observed in animal studies in which tamsulosin hydrochloride was administered to rats or rabbits during the period of organogenesis (see Data). Data Human Data: Dutasteride: The highest measured semen concentration of dutasteride in treated men was 14 ng/mL. Although dutasteride is detected in semen, assuming exposure of a 50 kg female to 5 mL of semen and 100% absorption, the female’s expected dutasteride blood concentration through semen would b
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Orthostatic hypotension and/or syncope can occur. Advise patients of symptoms related to postural hypotension and to avoid situations where injury could result if syncope occurs. ( 5.1 ) Do not use dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules with other alpha-adrenergic antagonists, as this may increase the risk of hypotension. ( 5.2 ) Dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules reduce serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration by approximately 50%. However, any confirmed increase in PSA while on dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if those values are still within the normal range for untreated men. ( 5.3 ) Do not use dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules with strong inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole). Use caution in combination with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin) or strong (e.g., paroxetine) or moderate CYP2D6 inhibitors, a combination of both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors, or known poor metabolizers of CYP2D6. Concomitant use with known inhibitors can cause a marked increase in drug exposure. ( 5.2 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) Exercise caution with concomitant use of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, as this may increase the risk of hypotension. ( 5.2 ) Drugs that contain dutasteride, including dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. ( 5.4 , 6.1 ) Prior to initiating treatment with dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms. ( 5.5 ) Females who are pregnant or may be pregnant should not handle dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules due to potential risk to a male fetus. ( 5.6 , 8.1 ) Advise patients about the possibility and seriousness of priapism. ( 5.7 ) Patients should not donate blood until 6 months after their last dose of dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules. ( 5.8 ) Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome has been observed during cataract and glaucoma surgery after alpha-adrenergic antagonist exposure. Advise patients considering cataract or glaucoma surgery to tell their ophthalmologist that they take or have taken dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules. ( 5.9 ) Exercise caution with concomitant use of warfarin. ( 5.2 , 7.2 , 12.3 ) 5.1 Orthostatic Hypotension As with other alpha-adrenergic antagonists, orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension, dizziness, and vertigo) may occur in patients treated with tamsulosin-containing products, including dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, and can result in syncope. Patients starting treatment with dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules should be cautioned to avoid situations where syncope could result in an injury [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ] . 5.2 Drug-Drug Interactions Strong Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 Tamsulosin-containing products, including dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, should not be coadministered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) as this can significantly increase tamsulosin exposure [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Moderate Inhibitors of CYP3A4, Inhibitors of CYP2D6, or a Combination of Both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 Inhibitors Tamsulosin-containing products, including dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, should be used with caution when coadministered with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin), strong (e.g., paroxetine) or moderate (e.g., terbinafine) inhibitors of CYP2D6, a combination of both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors, or in patients known to be poor metabolizers of CYP2D6, as there is a potential for significant increase in tamsulosin exposure [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . Cimetidine Caution is advised when tamsulosin-con
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated for use in: Pregnancy. Dutasteride use is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. In animal reproduction and developmental toxicity studies, dutasteride inhibited development of male fetus external genitalia. Therefore, dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 ) ] . Patients with previously demonstrated, clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., serious skin reactions, angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, respiratory symptoms) to dutasteride, other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, tamsulosin, or any other component of dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ] . Pregnancy. Dutasteride use is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. ( 4 , 5.6 , 8.1 ) Patients with previously demonstrated, clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., serious skin reactions, angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, respiratory symptoms) to dutasteride, other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, tamsulosin, or any component of dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules. ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use Dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and effectiveness of dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules in pediatric patients have not been established.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS There have been no drug interaction trials using dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules. The following sections reflect information available for the individual components. 7.1 Cytochrome P450 Inhibition Dutasteride Dutasteride is extensively metabolized in humans by the CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 isoenzymes. The effect of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors on dutasteride has not been studied. Because of the potential for drug-drug interactions, use caution when prescribing a dutasteride-containing product, including dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, to patients taking potent, chronic CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . Tamsulosin Strong and Moderate Inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6: Tamsulosin is extensively metabolized, mainly by CYP3A4 or CYP2D6. Concomitant treatment with ketoconazole (a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4) resulted in increases in the C max and AUC of tamsulosin by factors of 2.2 and 2.8, respectively. Concomitant treatment with paroxetine (a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6) resulted in increases in the C max and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of tamsulosin by factors of 1.3 and 1.6, respectively. A similar increase in exposure is expected in poor metabolizers (PM) of CYP2D6 as compared to extensive metabolizers (EM). Since CYP2D6 PMs cannot be readily identified and the potential for significant increase in tamsulosin exposure exists when tamsulosin 0.4 mg is coadministered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors in CYP2D6 PMs, tamsulosin 0.4 mg capsules should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole). The effects of coadministration of both a CYP3A4 and a CYP2D6 inhibitor with tamsulosin have not been evaluated. However, there is a potential for significant increase in tamsulosin exposure when tamsulosin 0.4 mg is coadministered with a combination of both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . Cimetidine : Treatment with cimetidine resulted in a moderate increase in tamsulosin hydrochloride AUC (44%) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . 7.2 Warfarin Dutasteride Concomitant administration of dutasteride 0.5 mg/day for 3 weeks with warfarin does not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the S- or R-warfarin isomers or alter the effect of warfarin on prothrombin time [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . Tamsulosin A definitive drug-drug interaction trial between tamsulosin hydrochloride and warfarin was not conducted. Results from limited in vitro and in vivo studies are inconclusive. Caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of warfarin and tamsulosin-containing products, including dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . 7.3 Nifedipine, Atenolol, Enalapril Tamsulosin Dosage adjustments are not necessary when tamsulosin is administered concomitantly with nifedipine, atenolol, or enalapril [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . 7.4 Digoxin and Theophylline Dutasteride Dutasteride does not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of digoxin when administered concomitantly at a dose of 0.5 mg/day for 3 weeks [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Tamsulosin Dosage adjustments are not necessary when tamsulosin is administered concomitantly with digoxin or theophylline [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . 7.5 Furosemide Tamsulosin Tamsulosin had no effect on the pharmacodynamics (excretion of electrolytes) of furosemide. While furosemide produced an 11% to 12% reduction in tamsulosin hydrochloride C max and AUC, these changes are expected to be clinically insignificant and do not require adjustment of the dose of tamsulosin [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . 7.6 Calcium Channel Antagonists Dutasteride Coadministration of verapamil or diltiazem decreases dutasteride clearance and leads to incre
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE No data are available with regard to overdosage with dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules. The following text reflects information available for the individual components. Dutasteride In volunteer trials, single doses of dutasteride up to 40 mg (80 times the therapeutic dose) for 7 days have been administered without significant safety concerns. In a clinical trial, daily doses of 5 mg (10 times the therapeutic dose) were administered to 60 subjects for 6 months with no additional adverse effects to those seen at therapeutic doses of 0.5 mg. There is no specific antidote for dutasteride. Therefore, in cases of suspected overdosage symptomatic and supportive treatment should be given as appropriate, taking the long half-life of dutasteride into consideration. Tamsulosin Should overdosage of tamsulosin lead to hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ] , support of the cardiovascular system is of first importance. Restoration of blood pressure and normalization of heart rate may be accomplished by keeping the patient in the supine position. If this measure is inadequate, then administration of intravenous fluids should be considered. If necessary, vasopressors should then be used and renal function should be monitored and supported as needed. Laboratory data indicate that tamsulosin is 94% to 99% protein bound; therefore, dialysis is unlikely to be of benefit.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

4 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.