Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for BPH?

01/16/2026

 

Let’s Understand Dutasteride and Finasteride

Dutasteride is an FDA-approved prescription medication for treating an enlarged prostate. It belongs to the class of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs). The medication may be prescribed independently or in combination with other drugs to improve urinary flow in people with BPH. Dutasteride, available under the brand name Avodart, is also available in generic versions. The medication is available as an oral capsule in 0.5mg. However, before you buy Dutasteride online for BPH, it is essential that you consult your doctor to determine whether this is the right medication for your condition.

Finasteride is marketed under the brand names Proscar and Propecia and is an FDA-approved drug for treating male pattern hair loss and BPH, or enlarged prostate. Finasteride, too, is from the same drug group called 5-alpha reductase. The medication is available as oral tablets in 1mg and 5mg. Finasteride 5mg Tablets (Proscar) is prescribed to men with an enlarged prostate, whereas Finasteride 1mg Tablets (or Propecia 1mg Tablets) is recommended to treat hair loss. Before you buy Finasteride Capsules for any condition, consult your doctor first.

Mechanism of Dutasteride and Finasteride

Dutasteride works by blocking the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which further prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, a hormone that plays an essential role in regulating the size of the prostate. Reduced DHT levels help shrink the prostate and eliminate excess prostate cells, thereby relieving urinary symptoms, promoting smooth urine flow, preventing urinary retention, and reducing the risk of surgery. Dutasteride inhibits both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase enzymes and causes greater shrinkage of the enlarged prostate than Finasteride.

Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by stopping the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Since DHT plays an important role in the growth of the prostate gland, a lower level of DHT is beneficial in the shrinkage of the enlarged prostate and brings relief from urine urgency and a weak stream. Since Finasteride only inhibits Type-II 5-alpha reductase enzymes, it is considered to cause less shrinkage to prostate size as compared to Dutasteride. However, Finasteride causes prostate shrinkage and brings relief from urinary symptoms more quickly than Dutasteride.

Administration of Dutasteride and Finasteride

Both Dutasteride and Finasteride are to be taken for a long term, ranging from months to years, to notice a significant improvement in the symptoms. However, which of these would best suit your condition will be determined by your doctor.

• Dutasteride is to be taken once a day, 0.5mg capsule orally with or without food. Whereas Finasteride is taken as a 5mg tablet once daily for treating an enlarged prostate.

• The exact dosage and the treatment span would be decided by your healthcare provider.

• The medication is to be administered exactly as recommended by your healthcare provider. You must not chew, cut, or break the drug; just swallow it whole with water.

• Neither Dutasteride nor Finasteride is available in syrup form, and some people may have a hard time swallowing the Finasteride tablet. For such individuals, Dutasteride may be a better option, which comes as a capsule, and vice versa.

• Before administering either of these drugs, you must ensure you are not allergic to them.

• Irrespective of whether you have been prescribed Dutasteride or Finasteride, please keep your doctor informed of all the medications you might be taking to avoid any drug interactions. You should also inform your doctor of any health conditions you might have or have had.

• Dutasteride and Finasteride are not to be administered or handled by pregnant women as they can harm the fetus. These medications are also not meant to be taken by breastfeeding women and children.

Side Effects of Dutasteride and Finasteride

Since the mechanisms of both Dutasteride and Finasteride are essentially the same, their side effects are also more or less the same. A few of the common side effects of these drugs are as mentioned below:

• Reduced libido

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

• Ejaculation issues

• Breast enlargement in males, also known as Gynecomastia.

• Feeling dizzy or the occurrence of rashes.

The above symptoms are mild and will subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if they worsen or become bothersome, you must contact your healthcare provider.

Comparing the Efficacy of  Dutasteride and Finasteride

Since both Dutasteride and Finasteride are commonly prescribed medications for treating BPH (enlarged prostate), and both work in a similar fashion, it may be tough to pick one among them. Dutasteride completely inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT as it works to inhibit both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, whereas Finasteride acts only on Type II and causes partial shrinkage. Dutasteride also lasts longer in the body and causes more shrinkage of the enlarged prostate and has a slight edge over Finasteride. However, when the speed of symptom relief is taken into account, Finasteride works faster than Dutasteride.

Conclusion

Finasteride and Dutasteride belong to the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and are effective in reducing the size of an enlarged prostate, which causes urinary troubles. Both these drugs help shrink the prostate size and allow smooth passage of urine, and aid in complete emptying of the urinary bladder. Though Dutasteride and Finasteride are similar in their working mechanism and bring about almost the same side effects, your healthcare provider may pick one over the other. The doctor could conduct a thorough analysis before recommending one of these medications. The selection of medication for treating BPH is also based on your age, your body’s tolerance to the drug, your health condition, and the side effects the medication may cause. Follow your doctor’s instructions and be consistent with the prescribed treatment. Gradually, you will notice a reduction in BPH symptoms and be able to lead a normal life.