This article is written by Pharmacist Nguyễn Huy Khiêm - a clinial phamacist - Department of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Benign Prostastic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in men from middle age onwards. Duodart is a drug used for symptomatic treatment of BPH combining 2 active ingredients with 2 different mechanisms of action: dutasteride (0.5 mg) and tamsulosin (0.4 mg). Below are some important points to consider when using Duodart.
1. Indications of Duodart
Duodart is indicated for treating symptoms of Benign Prostastic Hyperplasia (BPH) (such as urinary retention, difficulty in urinating, nocturia, urinary incontinence, and frequent urination,...). Generally, the drug is prescribed to patients with moderate to severe symptoms.
The medication demonstrates its effectiveness through 2 distinct mechanisms of action:
- Tamsulosin: a selective alpha-1-adrenoceptor antagonist (abundant in the prostate and bladder neck), thereby relaxing the smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, quickly improving urine flow rate, and alleviating the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Dutasteride: a selective 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, thereby inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT (the main component responsible for the growth and enlargement of the prostate). As a result, it slows down the progression of prostate enlargement and reduces the severity of existing urinary symptoms.
2. Dosage of Duodart
Duodart is taken by mouth as prescribed by a doctor. For adults, take 1 tablet per day, approximately 30 minutes after the meal.
3. Precautions when using Duodart
3.1 Side effects of Duodart 0.5 mg/0.4 mg
- Due to the active ingredient tamsulosin, this drug may cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting after suddenly changing positions: lying - sitting - standing). Therefore, when using Duodart 0.5mg/0.4mg, patients should slowly change positions to avoid these unwanted effects. Concurrently using with certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs, nitrate drugs for angina,... can increase the likelihood of these side effects occurring.
- Due to the active ingredient dutasteride, this drug is believed to potentially cause a decline in sexual function in men. However, there is not much clear evidence regarding this unwanted effect of the drug.
- Inform your doctor or healthcare provider that you are taking Duodart before undergoing eye surgery to plan an appropriate discontinuation of the medication, reducing the risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS).
- The medication should not be handled by others, especially pregnant women, as the dutasteride component can cause birth defects and may be absorbed through the skin.
3.2 Contraindications and precautions when using Duodart
- Duodart 0.5mg/0.4mg should not be used in patients with severe liver function impairment.
- Since the medication can cause dizziness (especially when changing positions suddenly), it is important to exercise caution when performing activities that require concentration, such as driving or operating machinery, while taking the medication.
To use Duodart safely, you need to fully consult your doctor about dosage, contraindications, and drug interactions. If the patient experiences any unusual symptoms after taking the medication, they should inform their doctor.
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