What Types of Drugs Cause Hair Loss?

Many different types of drugs are thought to cause hair loss, including:

  • Acne medications containing vitamin A (retinoids)
  • Antibiotics and antifungal drugs
  • Antidepressants
  • Birth control pills
  • Anticlotting drugs
  • Cholesterol- lowering drugs
  • Drugs that suppress the immune system
  • Drugs that treat breast cancer and other cancers
  • Epilepsy drugs (anticonvulsants)
  • High blood pressure medications (anti-hypertensives), such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Mood stabilizers
  • Nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Parkinson's disease drugs
  • Steroids
  • Thyroid medications
  • Weight loss drugs

Tosti, A. Dermatologic Clinics, 2007.

Mounsey, A.L. American Family Physician, 2009.

ishonest
No.361 - Acne Scars

Tosti A. Drug Safety, 1994.

American Cancer Society web site.

Tosti, A. Dermatologic Clinics, 2007.

Mounsey, A.L. American Family Physician, 2009.

Tosti A. Drug Safety, 1994.

ishonest
No.122 - Generate New Cells

National Guideline Clearinghouse: "Recommendations to diagnose and treat adult hair loss disorders or alopecia in primary care settings (non pregnant female and male adults)."

American Cancer Society web site.

From: Medications That Can Cause Hair Loss

Read more on: skin problems and treatments, hair loss, qa