Duodart (Dutasteride And Tamsulosin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Duodart Used For?
Duodart is a combination medication containing two active ingredients that work together to treat enlarged prostate in men.
Primary Uses
Duodart is used in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can cause symptoms like difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, frequent urination (especially at night), feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary leakage or dribbling.
How It Works
Duodart contains dutasteride, which reduces DHT hormone production to shrink the enlarged prostate, and tamsulosin hydrochloride, which relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate to make urination easier. Just as prostate enlargement happens over time, reducing prostate size and improving symptoms may take 3 to 6 months.
Good to know: Duodart is not addictive
How to Take Duodart
Take Duodart exactly as prescribed by your doctor to get the best results and avoid complications.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one capsule once daily, taken approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Do not take Duodart on an empty stomach. Swallow the capsule whole with water – do not crush or chew as the contents may irritate your mouth or throat. Continue taking until your doctor tells you to stop.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take Duodart, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Take it at the same time each day for best results.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Impotence (inability to maintain erection)
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty with ejaculation
- Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth
- Fast heartbeat
- Difficulty sleeping, mood changes, depression
- Dizziness, fainting
- Weakness or loss of strength
- Hair loss or hair growth
- Itchy, blocked or runny nose, nosebleeds
- Vision changes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling, rash, fainting)
- Serious skin reactions (widespread rash, blisters, peeling skin)
- Breast swelling, tenderness, lumps, or nipple discharge
- Testicular pain or swelling
- Prolonged erection unrelated to sexual activity
- Low blood pressure when standing up
Important Warnings
Before taking Duodart, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medications.
Who Should Not Take Duodart
Do not use Duodart if you are allergic to dutasteride, tamsulosin hydrochloride, or any other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors; if you are a woman or child; if you have a history of sudden blood pressure drops when standing up; or if the medication is expired or damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney conditions, are planning cataract surgery, take blood pressure medications (alpha blockers), take antifungal medicines like ketoconazole, have sulphur allergies, or take any other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If your partner is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must use barrier contraception to avoid exposing her to dutasteride through semen, as it can cause birth defects in male babies. Women who are pregnant must avoid handling punctured or leaking capsules – if skin contact occurs, wash immediately with soap and water.
Blood Donation: Do not donate blood while taking Duodart or for 6 months after stopping treatment
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interfere with how Duodart works or increase side effects.
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, indinavir, nefazodone, itraconazole, ketoconazole)
- Antifungal medicines (ketoconazole)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (paroxetine)
Alcohol & Driving
Duodart can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with other substances.
Alcohol
The source does not provide specific information about alcohol interactions with Duodart.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Duodart affects you. This medication can cause dizziness, light-headedness, and potential fainting due to sudden blood pressure drops when standing up.
Storage
Store Duodart capsules in their original bottle until time to take them. Keep in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Duodart, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some men notice early improvement in symptoms, but others may need to continue treatment for 3 to 6 months to see if Duodart works for them. Just as prostate enlargement happens over time, reducing prostate size and improving symptoms takes time.
Yes, you should take Duodart approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Do not take this medicine on an empty stomach.
No, Duodart is not addictive.
Do not stop using Duodart suddenly or change the dose without consulting your doctor. Continue taking the medicine as your symptoms improve, as stopping may interfere with your doctor’s ability to monitor your PSA levels.
If you are having cataract surgery, tell your surgeon that you are taking or have taken Duodart, as it can cause complications during eye surgery (floppy iris syndrome). Also remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you are taking Duodart.
No, do not donate blood while taking Duodart or for 6 months after you stop treatment.
If you feel dizzy or lightheaded at any time while taking Duodart, sit or lie down until the symptoms pass. Be careful when moving from lying or sitting to standing position, as Duodart can cause low blood pressure when standing up.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.