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: Le dutastéride inhibe de façon irréversible les deux isoenzymes de la 5α-réductase, l'enzyme qui convertit la testostérone en dihydrotestostérone (DHT). Levonorgestrel: En contraception d'urgence, le lévonorgestrel agit principalement en retardant ou en inhibant l'ovulation lorsqu'il est pris avant le pic de LH.
Indications compared
Dutasteride: Le dutastéride est autorisé dans l'hypertrophie bénigne de la prostate symptomatique, seul ou en association à la tamsulosine (Combodart) pour un meilleur soulagement des symptômes. Levonorgestrel: Le lévonorgestrel est autorisé en contraception d'urgence (dose unique de 1,5 mg), en contraception orale régulière (associé à l'éthinylestradiol ou en progestatif seul), et comme principe actif des dispositifs intra-uté…
Safety profile
Dutasteride: Les effets indésirables fréquents comprennent des troubles sexuels (baisse de la libido, dysfonction érectile, troubles de l'éjaculation), une gynécomastie et une tension mammaire. Levonorgestrel: Les effets indésirables fréquents de la contraception d'urgence comprennent nausées, céphalées, fatigue, vertiges, tension mammaire et modifications du cycle menstruel.
Questions fréquentes
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
Les informations publiées sur ce site sont fournies à titre documentaire et pédagogique. Elles ne remplacent pas l'avis d'un professionnel de santé qualifié.