Which adverse effect is more commonly associated with finasteride than with minoxidil?

Which adverse effect is more commonly associated with finasteride than with minoxidil?

• A. Decreased libido
• B. Scalp irritation
• C. Unwanted hair growth beyond treated areas
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is how the two drugs work and how that affects side effects. Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), lowering DHT levels systemically. Since DHT is a potent androgen, reducing it can lessen sexual drive and function in some men, so decreased libido is a known and relatively common adverse effect with finasteride. Minoxidil, used topically for hair growth, acts locally by promoting follicle activity and blood flow; most of its side effects are local to the scalp, like irritation, and systemic effects like dizziness are less common. It doesn’t involve lowering androgens, so sexual side effects are not typically seen with minoxidil. Therefore, decreased libido is the adverse effect more commonly associated with finasteride than with minoxidil.

The key idea here is how the two drugs work and how that affects side effects. Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), lowering DHT levels systemically. Since DHT is a potent androgen, reducing it can lessen sexual drive and function in some men, so decreased libido is a known and relatively common adverse effect with finasteride. Minoxidil, used topically for hair growth, acts locally by promoting follicle activity and blood flow; most of its side effects are local to the scalp, like irritation, and systemic effects like dizziness are less common. It doesn’t involve lowering androgens, so sexual side effects are not typically seen with minoxidil. Therefore, decreased libido is the adverse effect more commonly associated with finasteride than with minoxidil.