Proscar vs. Avodart

• Are Avodart and Proscar the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Proscar?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Avodart?
• What Is Proscar?
• What Is Avodart?
• What Drugs Interact with Proscar?
• What Drugs Interact with Avodart?
• How Should Proscar Be Taken?
• How Should Avodart Be Taken?

Proscar (finasteride) and Avodart (dutasteride) are used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate.

Both Proscar and Avodart are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, but Proscar is an inhibitor of only the type II 5a-reductase, while Avodart is an inhibitor of both type I and type II 5a-reductase.

Common side effects of Proscar include:

• impotence,
• loss of interest in sex,
• trouble having an orgasm,
• abnormal ejaculation,
• swelling in your hands or feet,
• swelling or tenderness in your breasts,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• feeling faint,
• headache,
• runny nose, or
• skin rash.

In some men, Proscar can decrease the amount of semen released during sex. This is harmless. Proscar may also increase hair growth. The sexual side effects of Proscar may continue after you stop taking it. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects.

Common side effects of Avodart include:

• sexual problems (such as decreased sexual interest/ability, decrease in the amount of semen/sperm released during sex),
• impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection),
• testicle pain or swelling,
• increased breast size, or
• breast tenderness.

Proscar (finasteride) is an inhibitor of steroid Type II 5a-reductase, that works by decreasing the amount of a natural body hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that causes growth of the prostate, and is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Proscar is available in generic form.

Avodart (dutasteride) is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound that is a selective inhibitor of both the type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5 alpha-reductase used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Avodart helps improve urinary flow and may also reduce the need for prostate surgery later. Avodart is sometimes given with another medication called tamsulosin (Flomax). Avodart prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. Avodart may be available in generic form.

Proscar may interact with other drugs.

may interact with conivaptan, imatinib, isoniazid, antibiotics, antifungal medications, antidepressants, heart or blood pressure medications, or HIV/AIDS medicine.

The recommended dose of Proscar is one tablet (5 mg) taken once a day.

The recommended dose of Avodart is 1 capsule (0.5 mg) taken once daily.