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.

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.

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

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