Efficacy, safety, and adverse effects of finasteride and dutasteride in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia: A retrospective cohort study

Background and objective: Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) results in several symptoms including the lower urinary tract symptoms. Consequently, BPH may affect the bladder and finally the kidneys. There are various pharmacological options for the treatment of BPH including 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors (5-ARIs) (finasteride or dutasteride). Recent researchers have demonstrated that using 5-ARIs for treating BPH may have unfavorable adverse effects. Therefore, this study aimed to compare finasteride and dutasteride in terms of their efficacy, safety, and adverse effects. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 170 patients, 77 patients who received finasteride and 93 patients who received dutasteride, the data obtained retrospectively from medical databases and file sheets were reviewed and selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria followed by the comparison between two groups regarding baseline characteristics, prostate volume and the incidence of adverse effects. Results: Similarity observed between two groups at baseline characteristics. Statistically, no significant differences were identified between dutasteride and finasteride in the reduction of prostate volume. However, dutasteride and finasteride significantly reduced prostate volume at 1-year follow-up. No significant differences were observed between two agents regarding the incidence of adverse effects. Conclusion: Finasteride and dutasteride improved lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) at one-year follow-up by reducing prostate volume. The incidence rate of adverse effects for finasteride and dutasteride was similar over one year.