Can You Take Finasteride with Alcohol?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
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No significant interaction between finasteride and alcohol — moderate drinking is fine, though alcohol may affect mood and sexual function independently.
Not sure this applies to your situation? Check your levels at HealthLabs.com — no GP referral needed →
- There's no direct drug interaction between finasteride and alcohol on the FDA label.
- Moderate drinking is generally fine for most people taking finasteride.
- Alcohol can independently affect mood and sexual function — areas some people already notice changes in on finasteride — so it can be harder to tell which is causing what.
- If you notice mood changes on finasteride, mention this to your doctor regardless of alcohol use.
Is it safe to take Finasteride with Alcohol?
Finasteride has no pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction with alcohol. Moderate drinking does not affect finasteride's action on DHT or its efficacy. However, both finasteride and alcohol independently affect sexual function and mood in some men — finasteride's side effects include reduced libido and mood changes; alcohol has well-known effects on erectile function and mood. These are separate effects, not an interaction.
How do Finasteride and Alcohol interact?
Finasteride inhibits 5-alpha reductase; no overlap with alcohol metabolism or CNS pathways. Alcohol is metabolised by ADH/ALDH; no CYP interaction with finasteride of clinical significance.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: OpenFDA finasteride label — no alcohol interaction listed.
Interaction severity
Rated minor: there's no listed pharmacological interaction between finasteride and alcohol — moderate drinking is fine, though alcohol can independently affect mood and sexual function, which are also known finasteride side effects some people experience.
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Men experiencing mood effects or sexual side effects from finasteride should note that alcohol can independently worsen both — but this is not a drug interaction.
What if I've already taken Finasteride and Alcohol?
No action needed.
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Not sure if this combination is safe for your specific situation?
HealthLabs.com lets you check liver enzyme or kidney function levels before combining medications long-term — no GP referral needed.
Check your levels at HealthLabs →Always speak to your pharmacist or GP for personalised medical advice. Affiliate link — we may earn a commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol while taking finasteride?
Yes — no significant interaction. Moderate drinking doesn't affect finasteride's effectiveness.
Does alcohol affect finasteride side effects?
Alcohol and finasteride both independently affect mood and sexual function in some men, but this is not a drug interaction — they're separate effects.
Can women handle finasteride tablets after drinking?
Women of childbearing age must not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets at all — this restriction has nothing to do with alcohol.
Does alcohol worsen finasteride hair loss treatment?
Heavy chronic alcohol use can worsen hair loss independently (nutritional deficiency, hormonal effects), but doesn't directly counteract finasteride.