Dutasteride

Mechanism of Action

Dutasteride is a potent, dual inhibitor of both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. Unlike finasteride (type II selective), dutasteride reduces DHT levels by approximately 90-95% by blocking both isoforms. Type I 5AR is expressed in skin, brain, and liver, while type II is expressed in prostate and hair follicles. The broader inhibition profile results in more complete DHT suppression, studied for benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia in research contexts.

Evidence Level

Clinical Trial - Human

6 studies published