TLDR Finasteride and dutasteride are equally effective and safe for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The document reviewed hormonal treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), focusing on 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) like finasteride and dutasteride, which were effective in reducing prostate size and symptoms. Combination therapies, particularly dutasteride with tamsulosin, showed superior results, especially for larger prostates. LHRH antagonist cetrorelix also demonstrated significant improvements. The potential oncological risks of 5-ARIs, including high-grade prostate cancers and impacts on fertility, were discussed. Novel treatments involving GHRH and LHRH antagonists showed promise in reducing prostate size and improving symptoms, suggesting new avenues for BPH treatment.
Cited in this study
4 / 4 results
20 citations
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June 2012 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride causes lasting fertility decrease in rats.
108 citations
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April 2008 in “The Journal of urology/The journal of urology” Inhibiting 5α-reductase can help reduce prostate cancer risk and improve treatment.
1707 citations
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December 2003 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Combination therapy of doxazosin and finasteride safely and effectively reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia progression risk.
35 citations
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February 1994 in “Fundamental and applied toxicology” High doses of finasteride cause cell growth and tumors in mice.
1 citations
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June 2021 in “Singapore Medical Journal” 
19 citations
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May 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Dutasteride works better than finasteride for hair loss, with both being safe to use.
January 2018 in “Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride are effective for treating enlarged prostate and male pattern hair loss.
8 citations
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May 2016 in “Indian Journal of Pharmacology” 
1 citations
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April 2012 in “Daehan namseong gwahag hoeji” Dutasteride is more effective than Finasteride in reducing prostate size and PSA levels, but both drugs have similar side effects.
47 citations
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January 2003 in “Current opinion in urology” A new drug, dutasteride, is at least as effective as the older drug, finasteride, for treating enlarged prostate and may have additional uses.
