5α-reductase inhibitor
5α-Reductase Inhibitor[edit | edit source]
5α-reductase inhibitors are a class of medications that prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen hormone. These inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of conditions related to excessive DHT production, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
5α-reductase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to DHT. There are three isoenzymes of 5α-reductase: type 1, type 2, and type 3. 5α-reductase inhibitors work by blocking these enzymes, thereby reducing the levels of DHT in the body. This reduction in DHT can lead to a decrease in prostate size and hair regrowth in conditions like BPH and male pattern baldness, respectively.
Types of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors[edit | edit source]
There are two main 5α-reductase inhibitors used clinically:
- Finasteride: Finasteride is a selective inhibitor of the type 2 isoenzyme of 5α-reductase. It is commonly used in the treatment of BPH and male pattern baldness. Finasteride is marketed under brand names such as Proscar and Propecia.
- Dutasteride: Dutasteride inhibits both type 1 and type 2 isoenzymes of 5α-reductase. It is used primarily for the treatment of BPH and is marketed under the brand name Avodart.
Clinical Uses[edit | edit source]
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): 5α-reductase inhibitors are used to reduce the size of the prostate gland in men with BPH, which can help alleviate symptoms such as difficulty urinating and increased frequency of urination.
- Androgenic Alopecia: These inhibitors are also used to treat male pattern baldness by reducing scalp DHT levels, which can slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. These side effects are due to the reduced levels of DHT, which plays a role in sexual function.
Research and Development[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research is exploring the potential use of 5α-reductase inhibitors in other conditions, such as prostate cancer prevention and treatment of hirsutism in women.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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