Dutasteride (DB01126): A Comprehensive Pharmacological and Clinical Monograph

Section 1: Chemical Identity and Physicochemical Properties

Introduction

Dutasteride is a synthetic small molecule drug classified as a 4-azasteroid compound. Its chemical architecture is specifically engineered to interact with and inhibit key enzymes in the androgen metabolic pathway. As a derivative of a natural steroid hormone structure, it leverages biological recognition, while its unique synthetic modifications confer potent and long-lasting pharmacological activity. This section provides a definitive overview of the chemical and physical data that underpin its function, formulation, and stability.

Nomenclature and Identifiers

The unambiguous identification of a pharmaceutical agent is paramount for research, clinical practice, and regulatory oversight. Dutasteride is cataloged under a variety of internationally recognized naming conventions and database identifiers.

• Generic Name: Dutasteride [1].
• DrugBank ID: DB01126 [2].
• CAS Number: 164656-23-9 [2, 3]. This unique numerical identifier is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service and is a universal standard for chemical substance identification.
• IUPAC Name: The systematic name assigned by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry is (1S,3aS,3bS,5aR,9aR,9bS,11aS)-N-[2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-9a,11a-dimethyl-7-oxo-1,2,3,3a,3b,4,5,5a,6,9b,10,11-dodecahydroindeno[5,4-f]quinoline-1-carboxamide [2].
• Synonyms and Alternate Names: In scientific literature and commercial contexts, Dutasteride is also known by several synonyms, including its chemical classification name (5α,17β)-N--3-oxo-4-azaandrost-1-ene-17-carboxamide, and various development codes and brand names such as Avodart, Avolve, GG 745, GI 198745, and Veltride [4, 5].
• Other Database Identifiers: To facilitate comprehensive cross-referencing, Dutasteride is indexed in numerous major biomedical an