Many people experience hair loss at some point in their lives and ask whether one of their prescription drugs could be the culprit.
Hair growth cycle
Hair goes through a typical growth cycle every 2-6 years, then it rests for approximately 3 months. Next, it falls out and is replaced by new hair. It is usual to lose about 100-150 hairs a day, but it is also a normal part of aging, along with other changes that typically occur.
Prescription drugs can interfere with the hair growth 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 affect hair:
Drugs that can cause hair loss/thinning*
| Condition | Examples of Drugs |
| Acne | Vitamin A retinoids: isotretinoin (Accutane), tretinoin (Retin-A) |
| Fungal Infection | ketoconazole, voriconazole |
| Clot Prevention | warfarin (Coumadin) |
| High Cholesterol | Statins: atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor) |
| Immune Suppression | leflunomide (Arava), 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), citalopram (Celexa), 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. Remember that there are other things that can affect your hair, such as family history, how you style your hair, medical conditions, hormone imbalances, and pregnancy.
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]). Your health care professional will work with you to determine the best solution for your situation.
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.