Epristeride

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

Epristeride is a steroid 5α-reductase inhibitor that is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It was developed by Zhejiang Xianju Pharmaceutical and was approved for medical use in China in 2000. Epristeride is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme 5α-reductase, specifically of the type II isoform of the enzyme. It works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is implicated in the development of BPH.

Pharmacology[edit]

Epristeride is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme 5α-reductase, specifically of the type II isoform of the enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen. By inhibiting this conversion, epristeride reduces the levels of DHT in the body, which can help to shrink the prostate gland and relieve symptoms of BPH.

Medical uses[edit]

Epristeride is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in older men that can cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and urinary incontinence. By reducing the levels of DHT in the body, epristeride can help to shrink the prostate gland and relieve these symptoms.

Side effects[edit]

As with all medications, epristeride can cause side effects. The most common side effects of epristeride include gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men), decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorder. These side effects are generally mild and reversible upon discontinuation of the medication.

See also[edit]

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