5α還元酵素阻害薬(前立腺を小さくする薬)
代表的な薬
- フィナステリド(日本では不採用)
- デュタステリド
作用
- 男性ホルモンの作用を抑制
- 前立腺そのものを縮小
特徴
- 効果発現まで時間がかかる(3〜6か月)
- 前立腺体積が大きい人ほど有効
向いている方
- 前立腺が大きい(30–40mL以上)
- 将来の尿閉や手術リスクを下げたい方
注意点
- 性欲低下
- 勃起機能低下
- PSA値が約半分になる(解釈に注意)
5α-Reductase Inhibitors
(Medications That Shrink the Prostate)
Common Medications
-
Finasteride (not commonly used in Japan)
-
Dutasteride
How These Medications Work
-
Reduce the effect of male hormones (androgens)
-
Gradually shrink the prostate itself
Key Characteristics
-
Effects take time to appear (usually 3–6 months)
-
More effective in men with a larger prostate
Who May Benefit Most
-
Men with an enlarged prostate (30–40 mL or larger)
-
Those who wish to reduce the future risk of acute urinary retention or surgery
Important Points to Know
-
Possible decrease in sexual desire
-
Possible erectile dysfunction
-
PSA levels are reduced by about 50%, so PSA results must be interpreted carefully
Author:
Shinobu Kato, MD, PhD
Director
Board-Certified Urologist, Japanese Urological Association
Visiting Professor, Department of Urology, Fujita Health University