How to Take Finasteride: Timing, Food & Instructions

Finasteride is a once-daily oral tablet. It can be taken with or without food, at any time of day — the most important thing is consistency. This page covers practical dosing instructions based on the prescribing information.

Basic Dosing Instructions

Question	Answer
Dose for hair loss (AGA)	1 mg once daily (Propecia)
Dose for BPH	5 mg once daily (Proscar)
With or without food?	Either — food does not affect absorption
Best time of day?	Any consistent time — morning or evening both work
Swallow whole?	Yes — do not crush or break; the coating protects handlers from absorption
How long to take?	Continuous indefinitely — hair loss returns within 6–12 months of stopping

Consistency Is Key

Clinical trials show that finasteride’s efficacy depends on sustained DHT suppression. Taking it at roughly the same time each day maintains steady-state plasma levels. Missing occasional doses is unlikely to be clinically significant, but irregular use reduces efficacy over time. See: What to do if you miss a dose.

Do Not Crush or Break Tablets

Finasteride tablets are film-coated to prevent contact absorption. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle broken or crushed finasteride tablets — 5α-reductase inhibitors can cause abnormalities in the external genitalia of a male fetus. Intact tablets pose no risk to handlers.

Storage

• Store at room temperature: 15°C–30°C (59°F–86°F)
• Keep in original container; protect from moisture
• Keep out of reach of children and women who are pregnant or may become pregnant

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take finasteride with other medications?

Finasteride has no clinically significant drug–drug interactions documented in the prescribing information. It does not inhibit or induce CYP450 enzymes at therapeutic doses. Always inform your prescriber of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take.

Can I take finasteride with alcohol?

There is no contraindication to moderate alcohol use with finasteride. Alcohol does not affect finasteride metabolism or efficacy. Excessive alcohol use may independently affect sexual function, which could confound any side effect assessment.

Can I take finasteride with saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto has weak 5α-reductase inhibitory activity. Combining it with finasteride provides no established additive clinical benefit and is not recommended in clinical guidelines. If you are considering saw palmetto, discuss with your prescriber. See: Finasteride vs. saw palmetto.

See also: Dosage overview | Finasteride 1 mg | Finasteride 5 mg