Dutasteride vs Levonorgestrel: side-by-side comparison
Dutasteride (Dual 5α-reductase inhibitor (type 1 and type 2)) and Levonorgestrel (Synthetic progestin (emergency contraception)) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Dutasteride | Levonorgestrel |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Dual 5α-reductase inhibitor (type 1 and type 2) | Synthetic progestin (emergency contraception) |
| CAS | 164656-23-9 | 797-63-7 |
| ATC | G04CB02 | G03AC03 |
| Molecular weight | 528.53 g/mol | 312.5 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Dutasteride and Levonorgestrel share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Dutasteride acts by a different mechanism than Levonorgestrel, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Dutasteride: Dutasterid hemmt irreversibel beide Isoenzyme der 5α-Reduktase, des Enzyms, das Testosteron zu Dihydrotestosteron (DHT) umwandelt. Levonorgestrel: In der Notfallkontrazeption wirkt Levonorgestrel vor allem durch Verzögerung oder Hemmung der Ovulation, sofern es vor dem LH-Anstieg eingenommen wird.
Indications compared
Dutasteride: Dutasterid ist zugelassen bei symptomatischer benigner Prostatahyperplasie, allein oder in Kombination mit Tamsulosin (Combodart/Jalyn) zur stärkeren Symptomlinderung. Levonorgestrel: Levonorgestrel ist zugelassen zur Notfallkontrazeption (Einzeldosis 1,5 mg), zur regulären oralen Kontrazeption (kombiniert mit Ethinylestradiol oder als Gestagen-Monopräparat) sowie als Wirkstoff hormoneller Intrauterin…
Safety profile
Dutasteride: Häufige Nebenwirkungen sind sexuelle Funktionsstörungen (verminderte Libido, erektile Dysfunktion, Ejakulationsstörungen), Gynäkomastie und Brustspannen. Levonorgestrel: Häufige Nebenwirkungen der Notfallkontrazeption sind Übelkeit, Kopfschmerzen, Müdigkeit, Schwindel, Brustspannen und Veränderungen des Menstruationszyklus.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Dutasteride better than Levonorgestrel? ▾
Dutasteride and Levonorgestrel are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Dutasteride and Levonorgestrel be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Dutasteride
Products with Levonorgestrel
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