Summary

Flutamide is an anti-androgen drug that blocks the action of testosterone and DHT at androgen receptors. By reducing androgen signaling, flutamide may be useful in the treatment of testosterone or hormone-dependent prostate cancer. One of the side effects of taking flutamide is gynecomastia or the development of breasts in men.

Key Points

• Flutamide
  • Mechanism
    • Testosterone receptor blocker (anti-androgen)
      • Nonsteroidal competitive antagonist at androgen receptors
      • Blocks the stimulatory effects of testosterone and DHT
  • Indications
    • Prostate cancer
      • Prostate cancer is testosterone-dependent and can be treated with androgen deprivation
      • Often coadministered with Leuprolide (long-acting GnRH agonist)
  • Side Effects
    • Gynecomastia