I'd suggest using spironolactone cream as an anti-androgen if you're not comfortable taking finasteride and apply it after minoxidil has dried. Thats my current regimen:
spironolactone 5% cream - twice daily
minoxidil 5% Solution - once at night before bed
nizoral - two/three times weekly
Keto cream - once a week in place of an application of spironolactone at night.
I've only just started using minoxidil consistently. I can't judge shedding yet because I've been experiencing an increased natural shed recently although it may be due to my previous use of keto cream daily.
It's too early to say about my particular experience with minoxidil, but I will be sticking with it wether I shed or not, it would be foolish for me stop using it since I don't get irritation from use.
There's also RU which is potentially as good as taking finasteride which you can mix into your minoxidil solution. Though it comes at a high price.