Dutasteride

Prostate medicine (5-alpha reductase inhibitor)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Dutasteride is a prostate medicine (5-alpha reductase inhibitor) found in 12 medicines sold in India, such as Dutas 0.5, Urimax D, Temsunol-D. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Shrinks an enlarged prostate over months.

How it works

Blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, shrinking an enlarged prostate over 6 months; also slows hair loss.

How to take it

Usually 0.5 mg once a day, swallowed whole. Do not donate blood during and for 6 months after.

Common side effects

  • Lower sex drive
  • Erection or ejaculation problems
  • Breast tenderness

Get medical help straight away if

  • Breast lump or nipple discharge
  • Low mood

Be careful

Women who are or may be pregnant should not handle broken capsules.

Other medicines and interactions

It halves PSA results; tell anyone checking your PSA.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Women who are or may be pregnant must not handle broken capsules (harms a male baby).

Brands of Dutasteride (1)

Dutas 0.5

Combination medicines that contain Dutasteride (11)

Flokind-DGeriflo DTamdosin DTamsin DTamsukem-DTasulin-DTemsunol-DUrimax DUrimax DXUritin DVeltam Plus

Common questions

What is Dutasteride used for?

Shrinks an enlarged prostate over months.

How does Dutasteride work?

Blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, shrinking an enlarged prostate over 6 months; also slows hair loss.

How should I take Dutasteride?

Usually 0.5 mg once a day, swallowed whole. Do not donate blood during and for 6 months after.

What are the side effects of Dutasteride?

Common: Lower sex drive, erection or ejaculation problems, breast tenderness. Get help straight away for: Breast lump or nipple discharge, low mood.

Does Dutasteride interact with other medicines?

It halves PSA results; tell anyone checking your PSA.

Is Dutasteride safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Women who are or may be pregnant must not handle broken capsules (harms a male baby).

Does Dutasteride need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Dutasteride?

Dutas 0.5, Flokind-D, Geriflo D, Tamdosin D, Tamsin D, Tamsukem-D, Tasulin-D, Temsunol-D, Urimax D, Urimax DX, Uritin D, Veltam Plus.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.