Can You Take Finasteride and Viagra Together?

If you’re taking Finasteride to treat hair loss or an enlarged prostate (BPH), and you’ve started noticing some trouble in the bedroom. A small percentage of men experience sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction (ED) while on Finasteride. Naturally, you might be wondering if Viagra (or other ED medications) can help fix the problem.

Here’s the short answer: Yes, you can generally take Finasteride and Viagra together, and many men do it safely. But it’s not always that simple. There are things you need to watch out for, like side effects, long-term risks, and whether Viagra will actually work if your ED is caused by Finasteride.

What Do Finasteride and Viagra Actually Do?

Finasteride: Hair Loss and Prostate Relief

Finasteride works by lowering levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone linked to hair loss and prostate growth. It’s commonly prescribed for two reasons:

• Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness)
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

By blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT, Finasteride slows hair loss or shrinks an enlarged prostate. But here’s the tradeoff: DHT also plays a role in sexual function.
Some men, though less than 2%, report issues like low libido, trouble getting or maintaining an erection, or reduced semen volume.

Viagra: Blood Flow Booster

Viagra (sildenafil) is one of the most popular medications for ED. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, making it easier to get and sustain an erection. It doesn’t change your hormone levels or libido, it just helps your body respond to sexual stimulation.

Is It Safe to Take Finasteride and Viagra Together?

No Known Drug Interactions

The good news? There are no direct interactions between Finasteride and Viagra. They operate on completely different pathways, Finasteride works on hormone levels, while Viagra targets blood flow through PDE-5 inhibition. 

Several trusted sources like Drugs.com, confirm that it’s generally safe to take them together.

But Research Is Still Limited

Even though no interaction has been documented, clinical research on using both medications together is surprisingly thin. One study from the Korean Journal of Urological Oncology in 2018 did look at this combo in men with BPH. 

The results were encouraging: the combo improved both sexual performance and urinary symptoms. That said, broader studies are still needed to confirm these findings in larger, more diverse groups.

Watch for Other Medications

Viagra interacts with a lot of other drugs, over 300, including nitrates (used for heart problems) and alpha-blockers. It also doesn’t play well with grapefruit juice, which can delay or intensify its effects. So while Finasteride and Viagra don’t clash with each other, you still need to consider your full medication list.

Can Viagra Actually Help With Finasteride-Induced ED?

Sometimes It Works

If Finasteride has taken a toll on your bedroom performance, Viagra might be a helpful workaround. Several health providers note that using a PDE-5 inhibitor like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra can help counteract these side effects, especially when the ED is new or mild.

But Not Always

A 2017 study from Northwestern University found that about 1.4% of long-term Finasteride users developed persistent ED, meaning it didn’t go away even after stopping the medication and didn’t respond to Viagra either. This suggests that while Viagra can help some men bounce back sexually, it won’t work in every case.

What Are the Side Effects to Watch Out For?

Finasteride Side Effects

Most men tolerate Finasteride just fine, but here are some reported side effects:

• Lowered sex drive
  
• Erectile dysfunction
  
• Ejaculation disorders
  
• Testicular discomfort
  
• Temporary hair shedding
  
• Skin rashes or, rarely, dizziness
  

Some men also report persistent sexual side effects, even after stopping the drug. This has been taken seriously enough to be acknowledged by the UK Government.

Viagra Side Effects

Viagra is usually well-tolerated, but it’s not side-effect-free. Some men experience:

• Headaches
  
• Flushing
  
• Nasal congestion
  
• Indigestion
  
• Dizziness

What Are Some Alternatives if This Combo Doesn’t Work?

For Hair Loss

If you’re worried about Finasteride’s side effects, you’re not out of options:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): A topical solution that stimulates hair growth.
  
• Biotin supplements: Less powerful, but natural and widely used.
  
• Low-level laser therapy: Used by some men with success.

For Erectile Dysfunction

If Viagra causes issues or doesn’t do the trick:

• Cialis (tadalafil): Longer-lasting, possibly better for some men.
  
• Levitra (vardenafil): Known for fewer nasal and flushing side effects.
  
• Lifestyle changes: Exercise, sleep, stress management, and diet can improve natural function.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can you not mix with Finasteride?

Avoid mixing Finasteride with alpha-blockers like tamsulosin, hormonal drugs like testosterone, and herbal remedies like St. John’s wort or ginseng. These can interfere with Finasteride’s effectiveness or increase side effects.

What drugs should you not mix with Viagra?

Viagra should not be taken with nitrates (like nitroglycerin), alpha-blockers (like doxazosin), or riociguat due to dangerous drops in blood pressure. Caution is also needed with certain antibiotics, antifungals, grapefruit juice, and alcohol.

Can I take Cialis if I take Finasteride?

Yes, Cialis (tadalafil) can be taken with Finasteride, especially for treating BPH. Studies show improved urinary symptoms with this combination, but be cautious with alcohol due to potential blood pressure drops.

Will I get erectile dysfunction if I take Finasteride?

ED is a possible side effect, but it affects less than 2% of users. Most cases are temporary and resolve after stopping the drug, though rare cases of persistent ED (Post-Finasteride Syndrome) have been reported.

Can you take Viagra while on Minoxidil?

It’s generally not recommended to combine Viagra with Minoxidil because both lower blood pressure. Their vasodilating effects can increase the risk of hypotension and dizziness, especially in sensitive individuals.

Does stopping Finasteride reverse ED?

In most cases, ED reverses within days or weeks of stopping Finasteride. However, some users experience persistent symptoms due to Post-Finasteride Syndrome, where recovery can take months or longer.

Does Viagra cause hair loss?

No, Viagra does not cause hair loss. In fact, some studies suggest it may promote hair growth by stimulating growth factors and improving circulation in hair follicles.

Do I need to take Finasteride forever?

Yes, to maintain the benefits—like hair retention or reduced prostate symptoms—you need to continue taking Finasteride. Stopping it will typically result in the reversal of those benefits within months.