Rankings / Hormones & Endocrine
Dutasteride
Hormones & Endocrine · 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (type I+II)
Tier B
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.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 0. — Rx; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
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
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
0.5 mg/day PO
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Dutasteride's effects?
- 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.
- What safety findings are reported for Dutasteride?
- Dutasteride has a med risk profile in the database. Med (same sexual/cognitive concerns as finasteride but potentially more pronounced due to more complete DHT suppression; long half-life ~5 weeks means effects and side effects last longer than finasteride) Legal status: Rx (Avodart; off-label for AGA in US — approved for AGA in Japan/Korea).
- What doses or routes are reported for Dutasteride?
- 0.5 mg/day PO This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- 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.