| abstract |
Compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein R1 is -H or C1-10 alkyl; R2 is -H or C1-10 alkyl; R3 is C1-10 alkyl, C2-10 alkenyl, C1-10 alkoxyl, cyano, or triphenylthio-C1-6 alkyl; and R4 is a mono-substituent or di-substituent are useful as inhibitors of 5.alpha.-reductase. These compounds can be used alone or in combination with other active agents to treat acne, androgenic alopecia, female hirsutism, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and treat and prevent prostatic carcinoma. |