Does Dutasteride Interact with Diltiazem?
Dutasteride and Diltiazem have a minor drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Decreases dutasteride clearance and increases dutasteride exposure, but this change is not clinically significant and no dose adjustment is recommended. The mechanism involves cyp3a4 enzyme inhibition. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Minor
- Dutasteride Class
- 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor
- Management
- Generally manageable
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Dutasteride and Diltiazem occurs because cyp3a4 enzyme inhibition. Clinically, this means decreases dutasteride clearance and increases dutasteride exposure, but this change is not clinically significant and no dose adjustment is recommended. This is classified as a minor interaction with generally low clinical significance, though your healthcare provider should still be informed that you are taking both medications.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Dutasteride and your doctor is considering prescribing Diltiazem (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider