Dutasteride Vs Finasteride

Introduction

Dutasteride and Finasteride are medications for the treatment of hair loss. Dutasteride and Finasteride are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors which can help to slow down the process of hair shedding. Depending on what works best for the patient, they come in either pill or topical form.

Both medications have side effects such as low sexual libido and erectile dysfunction. The results vary from person to person; some may experience more success with Dutasteride than Finasteride or vice versa.

These two remarkably similar drugs have been studied extensively over the course of decades and both show documented efficacy in treating certain conditions related to excessive hair growth or a receding hairline.

About Dutasteride and Finasteride

What is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride is a synthetic drug designed to inhibit the body’s production of certain hormones known to cause hair loss and other conditions. It can be taken orally in the form of an oral capsule. Dutasteride works by blocking the activity of a type II 5alpha-reductase enzyme. This enzyme stops the conversion of testosterone into more potent forms of the hormone.

Dutasteride helps to reduce the symptoms associated with excess levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. These symptoms include pattern baldness and enlarged prostate glands, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in males.

What Conditions Is Dutasteride Approved to Treat?

Dutasteride is approved by the FDA for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Dutasteride has been approved for use with tamsulosin (Flomax) in order to treat BPH. Although tamsulosin does not reduce the physical size of the prostate, it can significantly reduce common urinary symptoms associated with BPH.

Both medications can be taken separately, or together as a combination which is available under the name of Jaylin.

Dutasteride is used to treat the following conditions;

Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Male pattern hair loss.

How Does Dutasteride Work for Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Dutasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is a hormone that can cause hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.

It is produced by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Usually there are two main categories of 5-alpha reductase, which are also known as isoenzymes type 1 and type 2. Dutasteride stops the conversion of both types of isoenzymes into Dihydrotestosterone.

Dutasteride inhibits this enzyme, which reduces the amount of DHT in the body. By decreasing the levels of DHT Dutasteride can help to slow down or even reverse the effects of male pattern hair loss.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a medication commonly used to treat male pattern baldness, medically known as androgenetic alopecia. It is a synthetic drug that works by blocking an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone into its potent form, dihydrotestosteron.

By inhibiting the production of DHT finasteride allows for new hair growth and helps to reduce further hair loss in men. Finasteride has proven to be highly effective in restoring hair loss caused by male pattern baldness in many patients. It can also be used to reduce the prostate enlargement due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

What Conditions Is Finasteride Approved to Treat?

Finasteride is approved by the FDA to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Like dutasteride it is used to reduce the size of the prostate and its associated symptoms. It is available in the market under the name of Propecia to treat hair loss.

The major difference between Finasteride and Dutasteride is how they are approved to be taken. Finasteride is approved for use when taken together with doxazosin (Cardura) rather than tamsulosin.

Doxazosin is an alpha-blocker that also helps patients with urinary symptoms.

Finasteride is approved to treat the following conditions;

Androgenetic alopecia.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia.

It can be recommended by doctors to treat other medical conditions such as;

Histarium.
Prostate cancer.
Transgender hormone therapy.

How Does Finasteride Work for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Hair Loss?

Finasteride works by inhibiting an enzyme called Type II 5 alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a hormone that can stimulate the growth of the prostate gland. By blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, Finasteride reduces the levels of DHT in the blood and tissues of the body including the prostate gland.

Finasteride can decrease the size of the prostate gland, which can alleviate symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty in urination. Additionally, Finasteride is also used to treat male pattern hair loss by blocking the effects of DHT on hair follicles leading to hair growth.

However Finasteride does not completely block the production of DHT, as some DHT can still be produced through the other category of 5 alpha-reductase, also known as the TYPE I. By selectively inhibiting Type II 5α-reductase, Finasteride can achieve significant reductions in DHT levels while minimizing the impact on other androgenic hormones in the body.

Studies have shown that finasteride can decrease DHT levels in the scalp which can promote hair regrowth and slow hair loss. Another study found that finasteride may also reduce bleeding in the prostate gland by inhibiting the production of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor which can cause the prostate gland to shrink and undergo programmed cell death.

Effectiveness

How Effective Are Finasteride and Dutasteride for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Hair Loss?

Research suggests that Dutasteride may be slightly more effective than Finasteride in treating hair loss. In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers studied 917 men between the ages of 20 and 50 who had male pattern baldness at different stages. The study found that men who took Dutasteride had thicker hair and a higher number of hairs on average compared to those who took Finasteride. The side effects experienced by both groups were similar.

Dosage information

How Is Finasteride Administered Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Finasteride comes in tablet form and comes under the name of Proscar and Propecia. Finasteride is typically taken orally as a tablet, usually once a day. The recommended dose for BPH is 5 mg per day. It is important to take finasteride at the same time each day, with or without food.

Side Effects

Please note that these are not exhaustive lists of side effects; always read the package inserts and speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional to understand the potential side effects of your treatment with Dutasteride and Finasteride.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Finasteride?

The most common side effects of finasteride include the following;

Impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection).
Ejaculation disorders.
Decreased sexual drive.
Breast enlargement or tenderness.
Cold sweats.
Dizziness.
Weight gain.
Skin issues.
Swelling of lips and face.
Skin itching.
Soreness on skin.
Bloating.
Weight loss.
Confusion.

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Finasteride?

Some potential side effects include the following;

Increased risk of prostate and other types of cancer.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Dutasteride?

The most common side effects of Dutasteride include the following;

Decreased sexual drive.
Weight gain.
Skin issues.
Swelling of lips and face.
Skin itching.
Soreness on skin.
Bloating.
Weight loss.
Confusion.

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Dutasteride?

Some potential side effects include the following;

Increased risk of prostate cancer.
Increased risk of other types of cancers.

Contraindications and Interactions

Warnings and General Precautions for Dutasteride and Finasteride?

Some potential adverse effects of both drugs include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, dizziness, nausea, decreased ejaculate volume, breast tenderness or enlargement, and rash.

It is also imperative for women to avoid contact with either medication due to the risk of birth defects in male offspring. Furthermore, these medications may interact with other drugs; therefore it is best to consult with a physician prior to taking in order to check for drug-interaction concerns.

Finasteride has been known to increase PSA levels which can lead to false-positive results when tested for prostate cancer this should be taken into consideration when consulting with medical personnel.

Contraindications and important interactions for Dutasteride and Finasteride?

Contraindications

Dutasteride

People who have had an allergic reaction to Dutasteride in the past should not take this medication.

Dutasteride is metabolized by the liver, and therefore, individuals with severe liver disease may be at risk of developing serious side effects.

Finasteride

Finasteride is not intended for use by women or children, as it can cause birth defects.

Finasteride can interfere with the accuracy of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests used to detect prostate cancer. Therefore, it should not be used in men who have a history of prostate cancer or are suspected to have it.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Dutasteride

Synthroid (levothyroxine)

Xarelto (rivaroxaban)

Lyrica (pregabalin)

Myrbetriq (mirabegron)

CoQ10 (ubiquinone)

Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)

Finasteride

Synthroid

Vitamin B12

CoQ10 (ubiquinone)

Lipitor (atorvastatin)

Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)

Plavix (clopidogrel)

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Dutasteride

Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement that is sometimes used to treat prostate enlargement. Taking saw palmetto along with Dutasteride can increase the risk of side effects and reduce the effectiveness of both medications.

Soy products contain phytoestrogens, which can interfere with the effectiveness of Dutasteride in treating prostate enlargement.

Drinking alcohol while taking Dutasteride can increase the risk of side effects, including dizziness, headache, and weakness.

Finasteride

Green tea contains catechins, which can reduce the effectiveness of Finasteride in treating prostate enlargement.

Eating a high-fat meal before taking Finasteride can decrease the absorption of the drug, leading to lower concentrations in the body and potentially reducing its effectiveness.

Some herbal supplements, such as saw palmetto, can interfere with the effectiveness of Finasteride in treating prostate enlargement.

Taking zinc supplements with Finasteride can increase the risk of developing side effects, including sexual dysfunction.

Cost Comparison

How Much Do Dutasteride and Finasteride Cost?

The cost of Dutasteride and Finasteride can vary depending on various factors such as the brand, dosage, and quantity of medication.

In the United States, the average retail price for a 30-day supply of Dutasteride (0.5 mg) is around $15 to, while the average retail price for a 30-day supply of Finasteride (5 mg) is around $123.

Popularity of Dutasteride and Finasteride?

Dutasteride is generally more well-known and commonly prescribed than Finasteride, as it has been used for a longer period and has been more extensively studied. Finasteride is FDA-approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), while Dutasteride is only FDA-approved for the treatment of BPH. Dutasteride and Finasteride are popular medications for the treatment of BPH and male pattern hair loss, and their use is likely to continue to grow as the population ages and these conditions become more prevalent.

Conclusion

Takeaway

Dutasteride and Finasteride are two drugs that can be used to treat various hair loss conditions in men. These medications work by preventing the body's production of DHT, a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink.

While both medications have proven effective in treating male pattern baldness, Dutasteride is often more potent than, making it the preferred option for those with advanced conditions. However, there are potential side effects associated with both medications that should be taken into consideration before beginning treatment.