Names and pronunciation
(doo-tass′ter-ide) Avodart
Source page 444
Loading InternPractice…
Individual generic drug information
Extracted information for dutasteride only.
(doo-tass′ter-ide) Avodart
Source page 444
Func. class.: Androgen inhibitor
Source page 444
Chem. class.: Synthetic 5α-reductase inhibitor, 4-azasteroid compound
Source page 444
ACTION: Inhibits both type 1 and type 2 forms of a steroid enzyme that converts testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for the ini- tial growth of prostatic tissue
Source page 444
USES: Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland; may be used in combination with tamsulosin
Source page 444
Extracted information for dutasteride only.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Preg- nancy, breastfeeding, women, children, hypersensitivity Precautions: Hepatic disease
Source page 444
SIDE EFFECTS GU: Decreased libido, impotence, gyne- comastia, ejaculation disorders (rare), mastalgia, teratogenesis INTEG: Serious skin infections
Source page 444
INTERACTIONS Increase: dutasteride concentrations— ritonavir, ketoconazole, verapamil, dilTI- AZem, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, antiret- roviral protease inhibitors, or other products metabolized by CYP3A4 Drug/Lab Test Decrease: PSA
Source page 444
Extracted information for dutasteride only.
DOSAGE AND ROUTES Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) • Adult: PO 0.5 mg/day; may use with- out tamsulosin Available form: Capsules 0.5 mg
Source page 444
Administer: • Swallow capsules whole; do not break, crush, chew • Without regard to meals
Source page 444
Extracted information for dutasteride only.
Assess: • For decreasing symptoms of BPH: de- creasing urinary retention, frequency, urgency, nocturia • PSA levels baseline and at 3 mo, 3-mo level becomes new baseline; double PSA level and compared with normal levels in those untreated; urinary obstruction; de- termine the absence of urinary or pros- tate cancer prior to starting treatment • Blood studies: ALT, AST, bilirubin, CBC with differential, serum creatinine, se- rum electrolytes
Source pages 444, 445
Evaluate: • Therapeutic response: decreasing symptoms of BPH; decreased urinary re- tention, frequency, urgency, nocturia
Source page 445
CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Source page 444
Patient and caregiver information: • To read patient information leaflet prior to starting therapy; to reread it upon prescription renewal • To notify prescriber if therapeutic re- sponse decreases, if edema occurs • Not to discontinue product abruptly • About changes in sex characteristics, gynecomastia, breast hardness; that de- creased libido decreases after 6 mo • That men taking dutasteride should not donate blood for at least 6 mo after last dose to prevent blood administration to pregnant female • That ejaculate volume may decrease during treatment; that product rarely in- terferes with sexual function • That product should not be used or handled by breastfeeding women • To swallow whole; do not crush, chew, or open capsules • That product may increase risk for developing high-grade prostate cancer • To report signs/symptoms of urinary obstruction or decreased urinary flow after starting therapy; to monitor for ob- structive uropathy • That continuing exams and blood counts will be needed • Pregnancy/breastfeeding: do not use in pregnancy/breastfeeding; not in- dicated for women; that capsules should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become preg- nant because product can be absorbed through skin; that product should not be used or handled by breastfeeding women D
Source page 445
Extracted information for dutasteride only.
PHARMACOKINETICS Peak 2-3 hr, protein binding 99%, metabolized in liver by CYP3A4, excreted in feces, half-life 5 wk at steady state
Source page 444
Filter the extracted dose blocks for this individual drug.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Adult: PO 0.5 mg/day; may use with- out tamsulosin Available form: Capsules 0.5 mg
Candidate age grouping · source page 444