Can I minimize the side effects of Finasteride by taking 1.25 mg pills every other day?

It is true that decreasing the dose of finasteride will lessen the chances of sexual side effects.  However the best chance for positive results from taking the drug are when the dose of 1 mg is taken daily.  Remember that in males the incidence of any side effects are less than 2 out of 100 patients.  So it is a very small percentage.  And if you do have any side effects in about half of people they will resolve while still taking the finasteride.  If not you can then stop or decrease the dose.  So I would definitely recommend trying it since you are very likely to not have any problems with it.

Taking a lower dose of Finasteride does decrease your chances of having side effects. However it is also not the proper dosage to help slow down hair loss. Only take lower doses if you first experience side effects.

Some people who have sexual side effects find that reducing the dose is a reasonable way to reduce the sexual side effects,. Half of the dose is 80% as effective while 1/4 of the dose is 50% as effective so you might consider reducing it further if the half dose does not do it