Finasteride and Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink?
Medically reviewed by [Reviewer Name, MD] | Last reviewed: August 2026 | Editorial policy
Bottom line: No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction between finasteride and alcohol has been identified. Finasteride’s prescribing information does not list alcohol as a contraindication. Moderate alcohol consumption is not expected to affect finasteride’s efficacy or safety meaningfully — but alcohol independently can impair sexual function, which may confound any side effect assessment.
Pharmacokinetic Interaction
Finasteride is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes in the liver. Alcohol at moderate quantities does not significantly inhibit or induce CYP3A4, so pharmacokinetic interaction is not expected. Both substances are hepatically metabolized, but at different enzyme systems and at therapeutic doses, co-administration does not produce documented adverse interaction.
The Sexual Function Overlap Issue
Both alcohol (at higher quantities) and finasteride (in some users) can affect libido and sexual performance. If you experience sexual side effects while taking finasteride and also drink alcohol, it may be difficult to attribute symptoms to the medication vs. alcohol vs. other factors. Keeping a symptom log with timing can help your provider identify the cause.
Heavy Alcohol Use and Liver Health
Chronic heavy alcohol use causes liver disease. Finasteride requires hepatic metabolism, and men with significant liver impairment may have altered finasteride clearance. Liver disease also independently affects sex hormone metabolism. If you have liver disease, discuss finasteride use with your hepatologist or prescribing physician.
See: Finasteride and biotin | Finasteride drug interactions | Side effects