Dutasteride vs Medroxyprogesterone: side-by-side comparison
Dutasteride (Dual 5α-reductase inhibitor (type 1 and type 2)) and Medroxyprogesterone (Progestin) 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 | Medroxyprogesterone |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Dual 5α-reductase inhibitor (type 1 and type 2) | Progestin |
| CAS | 164656-23-9 | 520-85-4 |
| ATC | G04CB02 | G03DA02 |
| Molecular weight | 528.53 g/mol | 344.49 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Dutasteride and Medroxyprogesterone 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 Medroxyprogesterone, 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: Dutasteride irreversibly inhibits both isoenzymes of 5α-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Medroxyprogesterone: MPA binds progesterone receptors and produces strong progestational effects: thickening cervical mucus, inhibiting ovulation, thinning the endometrium and reducing hot flashes.
Indications compared
Dutasteride: Dutasteride is approved for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, alone or in combination with tamsulosin (Combodart/Jalyn) for greater symptom relief. Medroxyprogesterone: MPA is approved for amenorrhoea, abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, prevention of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen, and prevention of pregnancy (depot formulation).
Safety profile
Dutasteride: Common adverse effects include sexual side effects (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disorders), gynaecomastia and breast tenderness. Medroxyprogesterone: Common adverse effects of oral MPA include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, mood changes, fluid retention and weight gain.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dutasteride better than Medroxyprogesterone? ▾
Dutasteride and Medroxyprogesterone are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Dutasteride and Medroxyprogesterone 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 Medroxyprogesterone
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.