Hair goes through a typical cycle. It grows for about 2-6 years. Then it rests for approximately 3 months. Next, it falls out and is replaced by new hair. It is normal to lose about 100-150 hairs a day.
Prescription drugs can interfere with this cycle, either causing the hair to stop growing or fall out too early. Below is a list of some of the more common drugs that can cause hair loss:
Drugs that can cause hair loss/thinning*
| Condition | Examples of Drugs |
| Acne | Vitamin A retinoids: Accutane (isotretinoin), Retin-A (tretinoin) |
| Fungal Infection | ketoconazole, voriconazole |
| Clot Prevention | Coumadin (warfarin) |
| High Cholesterol | Statins: Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin) |
| Immune Suppression | Arava (leflunomide), etanercept (Enbrel) |
| Seizures | valproic acid (Depakote) |
| High Blood Pressure | Beta Blockers: atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal)ACE Inhibitors: captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) |
| Depression | amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) |
| Cancer | adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, fluorouracil, methotrexate, paclitaxel, tamoxifen, topotecan |
*List not all-inclusive
How your hair will react to any of these drugs is dependent on your sensitivity, the dose, and how long you have been taking it. DO NOT STOP TAKING ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION ON YOUR OWN. Discuss any concerns you have regarding side effects of your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. It may be possible to change medications, lower your dose or take a drug that stimulates hair growth (i.e., finasteride [Propecia], minoxidil [Rogaine]).
References:
Healthline. What Medications Can Cause Hair Loss, and What Can You Do About It? Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/medications-that-cause-hair-loss.
WebMD. Medications That Can Cause Hair Loss. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/drug-induced-hair-loss-2#2.