Dutasteride 0.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Benign prostate enlargement (BPH) in men – shrinks the prostate and improves urinary symptoms over months; Reducing the risk of acute urine retention and prostate surgery in men with an enlarged prostate.
Listed MRPs range from ₹4.69 to ₹48.06 per capsule across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / capsule | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutasteride Capsule IP 0.5 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹46.88 | ₹4.69 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dutamax | Galcare Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹122.00 | ₹12.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Veltride | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹204.70 | ₹20.47 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dutagen | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹321.56 | ₹32.16 | 19 October 2026 |
| Duprost | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹335.46 | ₹33.55 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dutas | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 30 | ₹1441.93 | ₹48.06 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Benign prostate enlargement (BPH) in men – shrinks the prostate and improves urinary symptoms over months.
- Reducing the risk of acute urine retention and prostate surgery in men with an enlarged prostate.
- Used with tamsulosin when the prostate is large, often as a combination capsule.
How to take it
Take one 0.5 mg capsule once a day at about the same time, with or without food. Swallow it whole with water – do not open, chew or crush it, because the contents can be absorbed through the skin. Women who are or may become pregnant must not handle leaking capsules. It works slowly: symptoms may start improving after about 3 months and the full benefit can take 6 months or longer, so it is a long-term medicine. Keep taking it even when you feel well and do not stop without talking to your doctor. Tell any doctor doing a PSA test that you take dutasteride, and do not donate blood during treatment or for 6 months after stopping. See a doctor urgently if you cannot pass urine at all.
Side effects
Common
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection.
- Reduced sex drive.
- Ejaculation problems – less semen.
- Breast tenderness or enlargement.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- A breast lump, pain or nipple discharge – needs checking.
- Swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, peeling skin (allergic reaction).
- Low mood or depression – tell your doctor.
- May slightly increase the risk of a high-grade prostate cancer being found; discuss with your doctor.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but alcohol worsens night-time urination and erection problems.
Pregnancy
For men only. Pregnant women must not take or touch leaking capsules – it can harm a male baby's development. Use a condom if your partner is or may become pregnant.
Kidney problems
No dose change is needed for kidney disease.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; dutasteride is broken down by the liver and caution is advised.
Children
Not for children.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember if it is the same day; if you only remember the next day, skip it. Never take two capsules in one day.
Interactions
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, verapamil and diltiazem – can raise dutasteride levels; tell your doctor.
- Cimetidine – may interact; use another acid medicine.
- Tamsulosin or alfuzosin – commonly combined for BPH; no harmful interaction.
- Grapefruit juice – ask your doctor; it can raise levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dutas used for?
Dutas contains dutasteride 0.5 mg. It blocks the hormone that makes the prostate grow, shrinking an enlarged prostate over months and improving urine flow. It is used for BPH, often with tamsulosin.
Dutasteride vs finasteride – which is better for prostate?
Both work the same way; dutasteride blocks both types of the enzyme and lowers the hormone a little more, and stays in the body much longer. Results for BPH are similar and your urologist chooses based on your case.
Dutas vs Dutas-T – what is the difference?
Dutas has only dutasteride. Dutas-T adds tamsulosin 0.4 mg, which relaxes the prostate for quicker symptom relief while dutasteride shrinks it slowly.
How long does Duprost take to work?
Urine symptoms may start improving after about 3 months and the full benefit can take 6 months or more. It is taken long term.
Can Dutas be used for hair loss?
Dermatologists sometimes prescribe dutasteride off-label for male pattern hair loss when finasteride has not worked. Do not use it for this on your own; it has more hormonal side effects.
Does Dutas affect sex life?
Erection problems, lower sex drive and less semen are the most common effects. They often lessen with time but can persist in some men; tell your doctor if they bother you.
Can women touch Dutas capsules?
Intact capsules are fine to handle, but pregnant women or those who may become pregnant must not touch leaking capsules. If contact happens, wash with soap and water at once.
Does dutasteride change the PSA test?
Yes, it roughly halves the PSA after 6 months. Tell the doctor you are on dutasteride so prostate cancer screening is interpreted correctly.
Is Dutas available without a prescription?
No. It is a Schedule H medicine and prostate symptoms must be assessed by a doctor first.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Dutasteride (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms