Dutasteride
Avodart (dutasteride) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men, helping to shrink the prostate and improve urinary symptoms.
Avodart is a prescription medication used to treat enlarged prostate (BPH) in men by reducing hormone levels that cause prostate growth.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 352453
- Generic
- Avodart
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Avodart is FDA-approved for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It helps reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention related to BPH.
Avodart works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing DHT levels, the medication helps shrink the prostate gland, relieve urinary obstruction, and improve urinary flow rates.
Avodart is for use in men only. Women, children, and adolescents should not handle the medication due to potential absorption and risk during pregnancy. Common side effects may include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. The medication requires several months of continuous use before benefits are observed. Blood donation should be avoided while taking this drug and for at least 6 months after discontinuation.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed September 2, 2026. · Read our editorial policy