A 52-year-old man is prescribed dutasteride 500mcg daily for BPH. Which statement best describes its mode of action?

Unlock all features

Unlock your full potential with Examzify Plus. Access the complete question bank, personalized progress tracking, and an ad-free experience.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Study for the Foundation Year Pharmacy – Clinical Practice Test. Prepare with detailed questions, step-by-step explanations, and test format insights. Enhance your readiness and confidence!

Multiple Choice

A 52-year-old man is prescribed dutasteride 500mcg daily for BPH. Which statement best describes its mode of action?

Explanation:
Dutasteride works by blocking the enzymes that convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It inhibits both 5-alpha reductase isoforms, which lowers DHT levels in the prostate and circulation. Since DHT is a more potent androgen in prostatic tissue and drives growth by acting on androgen receptors, reducing DHT decreases prostate size and helps relieve BPH symptoms. The other options describe mechanisms that don’t affect DHT production or prostatic growth—aromatase inhibition alters estrogen synthesis, beta-adrenergic receptor binding affects sympathetic signaling, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibition reduces cholesterol production.

Dutasteride works by blocking the enzymes that convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It inhibits both 5-alpha reductase isoforms, which lowers DHT levels in the prostate and circulation. Since DHT is a more potent androgen in prostatic tissue and drives growth by acting on androgen receptors, reducing DHT decreases prostate size and helps relieve BPH symptoms. The other options describe mechanisms that don’t affect DHT production or prostatic growth—aromatase inhibition alters estrogen synthesis, beta-adrenergic receptor binding affects sympathetic signaling, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibition reduces cholesterol production.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy