Q. Can Avodart interact with heart medications?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Yes, Avodart (dutasteride) can interact with certain heart medications. Dutasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone responsible for male hair loss. DHT is also known to play a role in cardiovascular health, meaning Avodart may have an effect on medications used to treat cardiac conditions and congenital heart defects.
Avodart may interact with calcium channel blockers like amlodipine or diltiazem as well as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like ramipril, lisinopril, or captopril due to its ability to reduce blood pressure. This could lead to hypotension and even shock if not properly managed through careful medical supervision and monitoring of drug interactions. It’s important for patients taking Avodart combined with any of these medications to have regular checkups with their doctor or pharmacist in order to monitor their overall health status while they are on this combination therapy regimen.
Avodart can also interfere with digoxin, a common cardiac glycoside used for treating congestive heart failure; when taken together it may increase serum digoxin levels leading potentially dangerously high concentrations which might cause ventricular arrhythmia requiring defibrillation treatment or worse – death! So always be sure your physician knows about all other prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take before beginning therapy involving both Avodart and any kind of heart medication since potential serious side effects from drug interactions should never be underestimated!