How To Reduce Side Effects Of Finasteride?

By Kripal Negi

Reviewed by : Jalaz Jain

January 19, 2023

Finasteride is quite a popular drug that is used for the treatment of hair loss. The drug blocks the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes. The enzyme converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that leads to hair loss. Finasteride is sold under the brand name Propecia.

Though finasteride is an effective treatment for hair loss, just like any other medicine, it also has side effects. Common side effects associated with finasteride are erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. Men who consume this medication experience sexual side effects. However, one can reduce the side effects of finasteride and its severity in various ways.

What is finasteride?

Finasteride is a type 2 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor that is known to block the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone. The hormone is responsible for hair loss in men and also leads to male pattern baldness.

Finasteride inhibits the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. When the enzyme gets blocked, testosterone does not get converted into DHT.

Five alpha-reductase enzymes can be found in the scalp, prostate, and liver. The enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. That is why finasteride is effective for hair loss and prostate enlargement.

How does finasteride work?

Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase. The enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone and is one of the leading causes of male pattern baldness. By inhibiting the enzyme, the conversion is hindered, and thus finasteride helps to prevent hair loss. In addition, the decrease in the level of DHT helps to restore hair growth.

Side effects of finasteride

Finasteride helps hair growth but is not completely free from side effects. The side effects are generally found in men. Some of the common side effects of finasteride are:

Reduced Libido

Impotence

Decreased Sexual Pleasure

Mood swings

Mood changes

Testicular Pain

Reduced sperm count

Since side effects are associated with the medicine, one should consult their doctors first. However, there are various ways to reduce the side effects of finasteride .

Ways to reduce side effects of finasteride

The severity of the side effects of finasteride generally depends on the dosage of the medicine. Hence it is essential that you minimise the amount of dosage to prevent the side effects of finasteride . You can reduce the common side effects of finasteride by lowering the dosage by as little as 0.25 mg per day. To know the best dosage for you, consult your doctor.

The higher dodge can lead to severe side effects. The lower dose also reduces the side effects. It has been found that men who intake a minimum amount of drugs experience lower side effects.

Some of the ways how you can reduce the side effects of finasteride are:

Have a healthy diet: You can reduce the severity of side effects associated with finasteride by taking a healthy diet. It is important to avoid the consumption of fat. Thus, by reducing the amount of fat-rich food, you can reduce the side effects caused by the drug.

Take food rich in zinc : Zinc helps in hair growth. Therefore, by consuming zinc-rich food, you can reduce the side effects caused by taking finasteride. Oyster and red meat are two foods in which you can find high zinc content.

Say no to alcohol: If you are taking finasteride for hair loss, you should avoid the consumption of alcohol. Alcoholic drinks are known to reduce the effectiveness of finasteride, as alcohol increases the level of DHT, which promotes hair loss.

Avoid extreme temperature: For those taking finasteride for hair loss, it is essential to avoid extreme temperatures. Extreme cold or hot temperature causes a negative impact on the effectiveness of the drug.

It is important to avoid heat or exposure to the sun. If you have to go outside, use proper protection like sunscreen. Moreover, avoiding cold weather is also vital as it can lead to the development of side effects.

Follow prescription: Some patients might feel tempted to consume more dosage than what is prescribed to them by the doctors. It is important that you consume the drug as directed by your doctor. The overdosage of medicine is the leading cause of side effects.

To avoid the severity of the side effects of finasteride, you can exercise and take a healthy diet. Moreover, avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Finally, and most importantly, take medicine as directed.

Avoid grapefruit juice: Avoid taking grapefruit juice with finasteride. The grapefruit juice contains a chemical called furanocoumarin that neutralises the effectiveness of finasteride.

Reduce caffeine consumption: If you are taking finasteride, avoid over-consumption of caffeine as it increases the level of DHT in the body. DHT is known to promote hair loss.

If you experience any of the side effects after consuming finasteride, consult your doctor. Do not stop the intake on your own.

Conclusion

Finasteride is generally a safe drug that helps prevent hair loss. However, like any other drug, its overdose can lead to side effects and complications. Men who take an overdose of this drug experience sexual side effects. However, there are ways to reduce the severity and number of side effects.

If you experience any side effects, come over to Ujala Cygnus Hospital for a consultation with our experts. They can help you plan a suitable treatment to reduce the side effects and enjoy the drug’s effectiveness. Generally, it is recommended to take the milder dosage of the drug or switch to the liquid form of finasteride. However, do not stop the prescription on your own. It is always advised to consult your doctor first.

So, book your appointment at Ujala Cygnus Hospital if you are experiencing any side effects. Not only do we have the latest facilities and advanced technologies, but our experts are also recognised among the top doctors who help you provide one of the most effective treatments for hair fall and balding.

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