Introduction
Dutamax is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It shrinks the size of the enlarged prostate gland to relieve symptoms like pain and difficulty in passing urine.
Dutamax is to be taken by mouth with or without food. The dose and duration of the medicine should be taken as per prescription. An overdose of it may cause harm to your health. It is better to take the medicine at the same time each day and it must be swallowed as a whole. It may take some time for the medicine to act upon the symptoms, so it is important to take the medicine regularly. The course of the treatment should be completed for better efficacy of the medicine.
This medicine is usually well tolerated. However, it may cause some mild sexual side effects such as low sexual drive, trouble getting and maintaining an erection (impotence), decrease sperm count, etc. Some people may also experience allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, and swelling of the lips or face. If you experience any of these side effects, consult your doctor without delay.
Before starting the treatment, it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any medication for any health condition. Remember not to donate blood for six months after taking the last dose of this medicine.
Uses of Dutamax
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Side effects of Dutamax
Common
- Low sexual desire
- Impotence
- Allergic reaction
How to use Dutamax
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not chew, crush or break it. Dutamax may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Dutamax works
Dutamax is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It blocks an enzyme which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, it helps to shrink the prostate and relieve the symptoms like difficulty in passing urine.
What if you forget to take Dutamax?
If you miss a dose of Dutamax, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Adult: 500 mcg once daily for at least 6 mth.
Hepatic impairment: Severe: Contraindicated.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment: Dose adjustment not necessary
Contraindication
Severe liver impairment; pregnant women, children, adolescent.
Mode of Action
Dutasteride has antiandrogenic properties. It inhibits 5alpha-reductase, thus preventing the conversion of testosterone to 5?-dihydrotestosterone which is the main androgen involved in causing prostate enlargement.
Precaution
Excreted in semen therefore use of condom is recommended. Women of childbearing potential should avoid handling dutasteride capsules. Advisable to exclude other causes of benign prostatic hypertrophy (e.g. prostate cancer, infection) before initiating therapy.
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown/contraindicated
Side Effect
1-10%
Impotence,Decreased libido,Ejaculation disorder,Breast disorders/gynecomastia
<1%
Dizziness
Frequency Not Defined
Cardiac failure,Prostate cancer (high grade)
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy category: X
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown/contraindicated
Interaction
Plasma concentrations may be increased when used concomitantly w/ moderate or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.