Findings of a study published in a leading urology journal revealed a staggering fact that men suffering from BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) or enlarged prostate experienced greater improvements in their urinary symptoms by taking a combination of two drugs, namely Avodart (Dutasteride) and Tamsulosin than men using either medication alone. Now, let’s try to understand what both these medicines are all about.

Avodart (Dutasteride) which is produced and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals is the one and only dual 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that inhibits both type 1 and type 2 isoforms of this intracellular enzyme. Steroid 5-alpha reductase enzyme is primarily responsible for converting testosterone into a male hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). BPH or prostate enlargement occurs when the levels of DHT increase in the body. Avodart stamps down DHT by more than 90 percent in two years of treatment.

Tamsulosin belongs to a group of medicines called alpha-adrenergic blockers and is intended for the effective treatment of symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. Though Tamsulosin quickly improves your urinary symptoms, it does not really contract the prostate size or alter the disease process. It performs by relaxing the muscles surrounding the prostate and facilitating the flow of urine by reducing urinary symptoms like urinary hesitancy or urgency.

In the study combining Dutasteride and Tamsulosin treatment, men with temperate to severe BPH symptoms received individual treatment of both medications for 4 weeks and then they were randomized to take Avodart and Tamsulosin as a combination therapy. After 2 years of treatment, patients administering both Avodart and Tamsulosin showed considerably greater improvement in their symptoms than patients of either of the monotherapies.

However, the occurrence of side effects in case of combination group were far greater than either monotherapy group. The most common side effects in the combined therapy were reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced ejaculation, and ejaculation failure. Avodart monotherapy group showed ED and decreased libido side effects more often. Similarly, the most common side effect for Tamsulosin monotherapy group was erectile dysfunction.

Avodart (Dutasteride) is commonly supplied in the form of soft gelatin capsules in the strength of 0.5 mg. You can take these capsules orally in daily dosage of 0.5 mg with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the capsule as it may create irritation in your lips, mouth, or throat. Follow your doctor’s directions and never try to take overdoses of Avodart or doses longer than prescribed by your physician.