Investigating Drug-Induced Alopecia

The document discusses drug-induced alopecia, highlighting that while cytotoxic drugs are well-known for causing hair loss, other drug groups can also lead to this side effect. It emphasizes the importance of nurses being aware of this potential so they can recognize the signs early. Hair growth is a cyclic process, and the epithelial cells involved in hair formation are among the most rapidly dividing cells in the body, making them vulnerable to drugs that affect cell division. Drug-induced alopecia is often reversible upon cessation of the causative drug. The document lists several drugs that can cause alopecia, including doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, actinomycin D, fluorouracil, colchicine, heparin, oral anticoagulants, drugs affecting thyroid function, vitamin A, cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors like captopril, which may cause zinc deficiency. It also notes that minoxidil, a hypertension drug, has been found to induce hair growth and is used to treat partial baldness. The document suggests that unexpected hair loss should prompt a review of a patient's medications, as it may be a sign of late-onset drug-induced alopecia.