Avodart (Dutasteride)

Common Use

Avodart contains the active ingredient dutasteride, which belongs to a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors—in simple terms, it works by blocking an enzyme that converts testosterone into a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) . DHT is the hormone primarily responsible for the enlargement of the prostate gland in men.

Avodart is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) —also known as benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP). This is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows larger with age and can press on the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder), causing urinary symptoms.

By reducing DHT levels, Avodart helps:

Shrink the prostate gland over time

Improve urine flow

Reduce symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, frequent urination (especially at night), and the feeling that the bladder is not completely empty

Diminish urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder completely)

Reduce the risk of needing surgery for BPH

Avodart may also be used in combination with another medication called tamsulosin (Flomax) for more effective symptom relief in men with an enlarged prostate.

Dosage and Direction

Take Avodart by mouth with a glass of water, with or without food—whatever suits you best. Swallow the capsule whole; do not cut, crush, or chew it, as this can affect how the medication is absorbed.

The usual dose is one capsule (0.5 mg) once daily. Consult your doctor concerning the proper dose for you—do not change the dose without medical advice.

It may take 3 to 6 months of regular use before you notice the full benefits of Avodart. Continue taking the medication even if you feel improvement, as stopping it can cause your symptoms to return.

Precautions

Before taking Avodart, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

You are allergic to finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) or dutasteride, or if you have any other allergies

You have liver disease – dutasteride is processed by the liver

You have prostate cancer or a family history of prostate cancer

Important: This medication can be absorbed through the skin. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle Avodart capsules, as the medication can be absorbed through the skin and may cause harm to a developing male baby. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with a leaking or broken capsule, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

Contraindications

Avodart should not be used by:

Women or children

Patients who have demonstrated a hypersensitivity (allergy) to dutasteride or finasteride

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Dizziness

Unusual weakness or fatigue

Drowsiness

Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Blurred vision

Runny nose (rhinitis)

Problems ejaculating (decreased semen volume, difficulty ejaculating)

Decreased libido (reduced sex drive)

Impotence (erectile dysfunction)

Stop using Avodart and call your doctor immediately if you experience:

Penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer (priapism)—this is a medical emergency

Severe dizziness or fainting

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of a serious allergic reaction)

A very serious allergic reaction occurs rarely. If you notice any side effects not listed here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified with Avodart. However, always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use before starting this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take your dose twice to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

If you think you have used too much of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention right away. Symptoms of overdose may include:

Chest pain

Nausea

Irregular heartbeat

Feeling light-headed or fainting

Severe dizziness

Storage

Store your medication at room temperature between 20–25°C (68–77°F), away from light and moisture. Do not store them in the bathroom. Keep all drugs out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We know that managing an enlarged prostate requires consistency, patience, and reliable access to your medication—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Avodart can be with you by the next day, helping you take control of your urinary symptoms and get back to living more comfortably.