Which statement about finasteride and minoxidil adverse effects is true?

Which statement about finasteride and minoxidil adverse effects is true?

• A. Finasteride causes common scalp irritation
• B. Minoxidil causes significant cardiovascular effects in most users
• C. Finasteride can cause sexual side effects; minoxidil does not typically cause these
• D. Minoxidil cures baldness quickly

Answer: (C)

Finasteride and minoxidil have distinct mechanisms and, as a result, different adverse effect profiles. Finasteride inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). That hormonal change can affect sexual function in some men, leading to side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased ejaculate—these sexual side effects are a recognized part of finasteride’s adverse effects, though not universal. Minoxidil, when applied topically for hair growth, acts mainly at the local site and its adverse effects are typically limited to the scalp, such as irritation or dermatitis. Systemic or sexual side effects are not typical with standard topical use. Therefore, the statement that finasteride can cause sexual side effects while minoxidil does not typically cause these best reflects their known adverse effect profiles. The other ideas miss the main difference: finasteride’s hormonal effects can impact sexual function, whereas topical minoxidil rarely causes such effects. Additionally, hair regrowth with minoxidil is gradual, not quick, so it is not a cure.

Finasteride and minoxidil have distinct mechanisms and, as a result, different adverse effect profiles. Finasteride inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). That hormonal change can affect sexual function in some men, leading to side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased ejaculate—these sexual side effects are a recognized part of finasteride’s adverse effects, though not universal.

Minoxidil, when applied topically for hair growth, acts mainly at the local site and its adverse effects are typically limited to the scalp, such as irritation or dermatitis. Systemic or sexual side effects are not typical with standard topical use.

Therefore, the statement that finasteride can cause sexual side effects while minoxidil does not typically cause these best reflects their known adverse effect profiles. The other ideas miss the main difference: finasteride’s hormonal effects can impact sexual function, whereas topical minoxidil rarely causes such effects. Additionally, hair regrowth with minoxidil is gradual, not quick, so it is not a cure.