Tamsulosin and Dutasteride

Tamsulosin and Dutasteride is a combined medication used in men with an enlarged prostate. This comes as a capsule for oral use. This is an FDA-approved prescription recommended for medical use in adults.

What conditions do Tamsulosin and Dutasteride treat?

Tamsulosin and Dutasteride are used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a type of condition that is common as men get older. Having this condition may cause throbbing urinary symptoms such as delaying the flow of urine out of the bladder. It may also cause urinary tract, kidney, or bladder problems. Tamsulosin is known as an alpha-blocker and Dutasteride is a selective inhibitor of both type 1 and 2 of 5-alpha-reductase. This combined medicine will help relieve symptoms such as:

• Weak stream
• The need to urinate frequently or urgently
• Difficulty in beginning the flow of urine

How do Tamsulosin and Dutasteride work?

Tamsulosin works by stopping alpha receptors that are established in the muscle in the prostate gland. By blocking, it causes the muscle in the prostate to relax. As a result, it relieves pressure on the urethra. It also lets urine flow easily past the prostate.

Dutasteride works by stopping the action of an enzyme in the body called 5-alpha reductase. The 5-alpha reductase converts the male hormone testosterone into a more active form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The widening of the prostate gland is reliant upon testosterone being changed to DHT within the prostate gland. Without DHT, the prostate gland shrinks. By lessening the volume of testosterone changed into DHT, this medicine helps to shrink the prostate gland.

The combined action of Tamsulosin and Dutasteride relaxes the muscles in the prostate gland and shrinks the prostate gland to relieve the pressure on the urethra and bladder. This permits urine to flow easily past the prostate. It also helps relieve the urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland.

What is the dosage of Tamsulosin and Dutasteride?

The amount of medicine that you take depends on:

• The strength of the medicine
• The number of doses you take each day
• The time allowed between doses
• The length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine

For adults:

• You may take one capsule a day. Each capsule has 0.5 mg Dutasteride and 0.4 mg Tamsulosin.
• Each medicine is taken at least 30 minutes after a meal.
• Take each dose at the same time each day.
• Swallow the medicine as a whole with water.

What are the precautions in using Tamsulosin and Dutasteride?

• Your doctor must check your improvement and unwanted effects at regular visits. It is to make sure that this prescription is working accurately.
• Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin. For this reason, pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not handle or touch the capsules. Doing so may cause birth defects in male fetuses. If a pregnant woman had contact with this drug, the affected area must be washed right away, especially if the capsule is broken.
• This prescription may cause some people to become dizzy. Make sure you know how you react before you do anything that could be dangerous if you are dizzy.
• Tell your eye doctor that you are having this treatment or that you used this medication in the previous 9 months if you plan to have cataract surgery.
• This prescription will not stop prostate cancer but may increase your risk of having high-grade prostate cancer. Inform your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
• Call for medical assistance right away if you have a prolonged erection while having treatment with this medicine. This is particularly a rare unwanted effect that should be treated right away to prevent permanent erectile damage.
• It is recommended to not donate blood up until 6 months have passed since the last dosage of this medicine for men. This drug can stay in your blood for a long period and be passed on to a pregnant woman who receives a blood transfusion.
• Do not take other medications unless it is prescribed by your doctor. This includes prescription or over-the-counter medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
• This is not recommended for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.