Disclaimer
CompoundIQ publishes research summaries for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use.
Dutasteride
Also known as: Avodart
Dutasteride is a dual type I and type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor approved for BPH (Avodart). It is used off-label for hair loss and is more effective than finasteride, reducing serum DHT by over 90%. Approved for hair loss in South Korea and Japan. Its very long half-life (5 weeks) means effects persist long after discontinuation.
Risk Level
Medium RiskDifficulty
Intermediate| CAS Number | 164656-23-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C27H30F6N2O2 |
| Class | Other |
| Category | Hair Loss Compounds |
Mechanism of Action
Dutasteride inhibits both type I and type II 5-alpha reductase isoenzymes, reducing serum DHT by >90% compared to ~70% with finasteride. Type I 5-AR is found in sebaceous glands and skin, while type II predominates in the prostate and hair follicles. Dual inhibition provides more complete suppression of DHT at the follicular level, resulting in superior hair regrowth compared to finasteride in head-to-head trials.
Dosing Research
Standard dose: 0.5 mg/day orally. Some protocols use 0.5 mg every other day or 2-3 times per week due to the extremely long half-life (~5 weeks). Effects take 3-6 months to appear and 12-24 months for full evaluation. Very long washout period due to half-life; DHT levels may take 6+ months to normalize after discontinuation.
Side Effects & Risks
Similar to finasteride but potentially higher rate of sexual side effects due to more complete DHT suppression: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, gynecomastia. Very long half-life means side effects persist much longer after discontinuation compared to finasteride. Same post-finasteride syndrome concerns. Teratogenic; not for use by women of childbearing potential.
Research Studies
Related compounds
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OtherFinasteride is a selective type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor approved for male pattern hair loss (1 mg, Propecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (5 mg, Proscar). It reduces scalp DHT levels by approximately 60-70% and is one of only two FDA-approved oral medications for androgenetic alopecia. It has decades of clinical data supporting its efficacy.
Tamoxifen
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Anastrozole
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Disclaimer
CompoundIQ publishes research summaries for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use.