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What is Dutanol 0.5 mg tablet
Dutanol 0.5 mg tablet is an effective medication that helps in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. BPH is a non-cancerous condition that causes symptoms such as frequent urges to urinate, weak urine flow, or pain during urination/ejaculation.
It contains Dutasteride which is in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It inhibits a specific enzyme that shrinks the enlarged prostate size and improves urine flow.
It is manufactured by Knoll Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Uses
Dutanol 0.5 mg tablet with Dutasteride helps in managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men. Also known as Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPE), it causes the prostate to enlarge, which leads to problems with your bladder muscles and urination. This medication helps to reduce the prostate size and alleviates these urinary symptoms, such as weak urine flow.
It also prevents BPH progression to reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery. Dutasteride is also used off-label for treating male pattern hair loss. Always consult your healthcare provider before using it.
Working and benefits of Dutasteride
Dutasteride in Dutanol tablet is classified as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT hormone is responsible for enlarging the prostate. It inhibits both Type I and Type II forms of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which significantly reduces DHT levels.
As DHT is lowered, Dutasteride shrinks the prostate gland to improve urinary flow. It also provides relief from BPH symptoms such as frequent urges, difficulty urinating, and a weak urine stream.
The benefits of Dutanol include:
- BPH treatment: It improves urinary symptoms and reduces the risk of sudden urinary retention.
- Improves urine flow: It helps to make urination easier.
- Prevents BPH progression: It lowers the risk of severe complications like the need for prostate surgery.
- Long-lasting effects: Clinical studies have shown that its effects are durable over 4 years.
- Potential hair growth benefits: Used off-label to treat male pattern baldness by reducing DHT’s effect on hair follicles.
Dosage and how to take Dutanol
Here’s how to take a Dutanol tablet safely and effectively:
- Take the medicine at the same time each day.
- Swallow the tablet as a whole; do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- Take 1 tablet with or without food.
- Do not take more than the recommended dosage in 24 hours.
Side effects
While well-tolerated, Dutanol 0.5 mg, in some cases, may cause mild side effects, including:
- Inability to get or sustain an erection
- Decreased libido
- Ejaculation conditions like weak, delayed, or unable to ejaculate
- Sore breasts in men/ breast enlargement
These side effects usually subside without needing any medical intervention. However, seek a doctor if these cause you discomfort or worsen over time.
Interactions
Dutanol 0.5 may interact with several medications, health conditions, or food/drink intake. It is important to be aware of the following for safe and effective use. Kindly ensure that this list may not be exhaustive, hence consult a doctor for personalized advice.
Drug interactions
Certain medications may interact with Dutasteride which can affect its efficacy or lead to potential side effects. These drugs include:
- Alpha-blockers
- CYP3A4 inhibitors such as Ketoconazole and Ritonavir
- Blood Pressure-lowering medications such as Verapamil or Diltiazem
- Cholestyramine
Disease interactions
Take note of the following health conditions before taking Dutanol 0.5 mg tablet:
- Blood Pressure
- Liver conditions
- Prostate Cancer
Food interactions
When taking Dutanol 0.5mg tablet, it's important to be aware of potential food interactions:
- Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can interfere with the medicine’s metabolism and increase the risk of side effects.
- High-fat meals: High-fat meals may slightly delay the absorption of Dutanol.
Precautions
Take note of the following for safe use of Dutasteride medication:
- Dutanol 0.5 mg should not be taken by children and women, especially pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, as it may cause harm.
- Do not donate blood until 6 months have passed since the last dose.
- Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Dutasteride or its ingredients.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver conditions or Prostate Cancer.
- Individuals with low blood pressure or severe cardiovascular diseases should use this medicine with caution. Consult your doctor for the same.
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FAQs
Can Dutanol 0.5 tablet help to dissolve kidney stones?
No, the Dutanol tablet specifically helps to manage the size of the enlarged prostate gland. It cannot help to dissolve kidney stones. It is best to consult with your doctor if you are concerned about kidney stones.
Can the use of the Dutanol tablet affect my sexual life?
No, using Dutanol may cause temporary problems in ejaculation or a decrease in libido (sex drive). However, these side effects disappear once the treatment has been stopped. If these effects are causing you discomfort, consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Can the use of Dutanol 0.5 tablet cause Prostate Cancer?
No, Dutanol tablets do not directly cause Prostate Cancer. However, it may increase the risk of developing this condition over prolonged use. Therefore, you are advised to take this medicine only as your physician has advised.
Why do I need to check my PSA levels while taking a Dutanol tablet?
It is important to monitor your Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels as it helps detect and manage early Prostate Cancer. If screening reveals abnormal levels, doctors may recommend another PSA test in 6-8 weeks for confirmation. Your doctor may recommend regular screenings thereafter.
What should I do if I forget to take the Dutanol 0.5 tablet?
If you have missed Dutanol tablet dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed one to follow your routine. Do not double the doses to compensate for the missed ones.