QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Résumé Extracto Full Text PDF Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Articles Ahead of Print [Order Reprint] Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Dolder, C. R Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Dolder, C. R

FORMULARY FORUM

Dutasteride: A Dual 5- Reductase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Wingate University, Wingate, NC; Pharmacist, NorthEast Medical Center, Concord, NC

Reprints: Dr. Dolder, 316 N. Main St.,Wingate, NC 28174-0157, fax 704/233-8338, cdolder{at}wingate.edu

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, drug interactions, and dosing recommendations of dutasteride, a 5- reductase inhibitor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966-February 2006) was conducted to extract human research data in the English language on dutasteride. Search terms included benign prostatic hyperplasia, dutasteride, and finasteride. The reference lists of articles identified through this search process, the manufacturer's Web site, and dutasteride prescribing information were also examined.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All published studies and clinical data from the manufacturer were included, with emphasis placed on randomized, controlled trials.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Dutasteride is approved for the treatment of symptomatic BPH in men with an enlarged prostate to improve urinary symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and reduce the need for BPH-related surgical interventions. Compared with placebo, dutasteride has been shown to significantly improve BPH symptoms, reduce the incidence of acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgery, and improve BPH-related quality of life. Few published data exist comparing dutasteride with finasteride. The most common adverse effects of dutasteride include ear, nose, and throat infection; malaise; headache; dizziness; and musculoskeletal pain.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trials, sponsored primarily by the manufacturer, have shown dutasteride to be an effective treatment of BPH compared with placebo and to likely possess efficacy similar to that of finasteride. Further studies are needed to gain a more clear understanding of any clinically significant differences between dutasteride and finasteride.

Key Words: androgen, benign prostatic hyperplasia, dutasteride, finasteride, prostate, 5- reductase

Published Online, March 28, 2006. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1G540

THIS ARTICLE IS APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
ACPE UNIVERSAL PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-06-007-H01