Hair Changes Due to Drugs

The document from 2019 reviews how various drugs can cause hair loss, including anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium, which are typically reversible after stopping the medication. It emphasizes the role of clinical evaluation in diagnosing drug-induced hair changes. Chemotherapy is noted for causing hair loss, with regrowth usually occurring 3-6 months post-treatment, although the incidence and permanence of hair loss can vary based on the chemotherapy agent and patient factors. Scalp cooling and agents like calcitriol and minoxidil are mentioned as potential treatments for chemotherapy-induced alopecia, but require more research. Other drugs, such as targeted cancer therapies, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, interferons, retinoids, antiretrovirals, oral contraceptives, and drugs affecting the nervous system, can also lead to hair loss, which is generally reversible. However, permanent alopecia can occur, particularly with certain chemotherapy drugs. The document also discusses drug-induced changes in hair color, texture, and cases of hypertrichosis, highlighting the importance of awareness of these side effects for patient management.