Drug-Induced Hair Loss and Hair Growth
April 1994
in “
Drug Safety
”
TLDR Some drugs can cause hair loss or increase hair growth, but these effects are usually reversible when the drug is stopped.
The 1994 document outlines how certain drugs can cause hair loss, categorized as anagen effluvium or telogen effluvium, or promote hair growth, leading to conditions like hirsutism or hypertrichosis. Anagen effluvium is often caused by antineoplastic agents and occurs rapidly after drug administration, while telogen effluvium can result from a variety of drugs and is noticeable 2 to 4 months later. Drug-induced hair loss is usually reversible upon cessation of the medication. The document also notes that drugs like minoxidil and cyclosporin can cause hypertrichosis, which is generally dose-dependent and reversible. It emphasizes the importance of understanding drug effects on hair for diagnosis and management, and suggests cosmetic measures for those experiencing unwanted hair growth.
