Dutasteride as a Treatment For Hair Loss
Dutasteride is a recently developed drug that restricts
the conversion of testosterone, a male sex hormone, into
dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It inhibits the
enzyme 5-alpha reductase, the one responsible for the conversion to DHT. It
is commonly used to treat conditions brought about by DHT such as
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or
enlarged prostate. BPH, more common to middle-aged and elderly men, refers
to the growth of the prostate as a result of large amounts DHT being
converted in the body. When the prostate has grown sufficiently large, it
presses against the urethra and interferes with the normal flow of urine.
Dutasteride has also shown positive effects when used a
treatment for male pattern hair loss. Hair loss can also occur in women, but
the patterns are more diffuse than in men. Research appears to show that
dutasteride has better DHT suppression results as compared to finasteride,
an older drug commonly prescribed as a treatment for male pattern hair loss.
5-alpha reductase has two forms – type 1 and 2 (both types convert
testosterone to DHT). Finasteride is identified to inhibit only the
functions of type 2, while dutasteride suppresses both.
Dosage and Intake Procedure
To achieve optimal results for treating male pattern hair loss, the standard daily dosage of dutasteride is one 2.5 mg capsule daily. It may be taken with or without food but some doctors may advise that dutasteride be administered without food for better absorption. Dutasteride capsules should not be chewed, crushed or split as they can irritate the lips, mouth and throat. They should also be taken around the same time each day. It may take up to six months of regular use before results become visible. In case of overdose, the patient should seek medical attention as soon as possible (although it is not expected to have life-threatening effects).
Precautions
Before taking dutasteride, patients should be aware of
the following precautions:
·
Pregnant women and children are not permitted
to take dutasteride. This drug may cause birth defects to the child when
exposed during pregnancy. Pregnant women are not even allowed to handle the
capsules as dutasteride may also be absorbed through the skin.
·
The doctor must be informed of the patient’s
medical history, especially of liver problems, urinary tract disease,
prostate cancer and any kind of allergies or allergic reactions to this
medication.
·
People who are taking dutasteride cannot
donate blood for up to six months after the patient has stopped using it.
·
Any prescription or non-prescription
medication, including vitamins, herbal products, and nutritional supplements
being taken by the patient must be reported to the doctor. Changes in the
dosages of these medications may be needed.
Side-Effects of Dutasteride
The side-effects of dutasteride are more often than not
mild and transient. It has lesser effects than those associated with
finasteride. The most common side-effects of dutasteride include the
following:
·
Allergic reactions (itching, hives,
difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat)
·
Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence
·
Decreased libido or sex drive
·
Ejaculation disorders
·
Breast tenderness
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