Rankings / Hormones & Endocrine

Dutasteride

Hormones & Endocrine · 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (type I+II)

Tier B

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed · How we grade

5-ar-inhibitorprescription
6.8 / 10
Tier B
Ev 8 Bn 8 Sf 5

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Dutasteride as B (6.8/10) based on strong evidence, strong benefit magnitude, and a med-risk safety profile.

More effective for hair than finasteride, with correspondingly higher side-effect risk.

Typical use: 0. — Rx.

What this is

More effective for hair than finasteride, with correspondingly higher side-effect risk. 5-week half-life complicates dose changes / discontinuation. Often tried at reduced dosing (0.5 mg 2-3x/week) in AGA to balance efficacy and side effects.

Mechanism

Non-selective 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (types I and II); reduces DHT ~90%; more potent than finasteride; approved for BPH in US (Avodart); off-label AGA with stronger effect

Dose & route

0.5 mg/day PO

Citations

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Common questions

Does Dutasteride work?
Read Off Label rates the evidence for Dutasteride as Strong and the benefit magnitude as strong, producing an overall grade of B (6.8/10). More effective for hair than finasteride, with correspondingly higher side-effect risk.
Is Dutasteride safe?
Dutasteride has a med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx (Avodart; off-label for AGA in US — approved for AGA in Japan/Korea). This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
What is the typical dose for Dutasteride?
0.5 mg/day PO
How does Dutasteride work?
Non-selective 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (types I and II); reduces DHT ~90%; more potent than finasteride; approved for BPH in US (Avodart); off-label AGA with stronger effect

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.