Search

for
Search:

GlossaryCytotoxic Drugs (Cytotoxic Agents)

medications that kill or inhibit rapidly dividing cells

Cytotoxic drugs, also known as chemotherapeutic agents, are medications designed to kill or inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. While effective in treating various cancers, these drugs can also affect healthy cells that divide quickly, like those in hair follicles, leading to side effects such as hair loss (alopecia).

Related Terms

Learn

0 / 0 results

— no results

Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa Acquisita Following Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

4 citations, January 1992 in “Clinical Oncology”

Some cancer treatments can cause abnormal fine hair growth.

research Prodrugs of Butyric Acid from Bench to Bedside: Synthetic Design, Mechanisms of Action, and Clinical Applications

70 citations, January 2000 in “Drug Development Research”

New butyric acid prodrugs show promise for cancer treatment, anemia management, and protecting hair from chemotherapy damage.

research Permanent Chemotherapy-Induced Nonscarring Alopecia and Premature Ovarian Failure

5 citations, March 2015 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Chemotherapy caused a woman's permanent hair loss and early menopause.

research Drug Eruptions

November 2014

Any medication can cause skin reactions, some due to allergies and others due to dosage or genetic factors.

research Mitoxantrone

60 citations, June 1997 in “Drugs & Aging”

Mitoxantrone with a corticosteroid helps manage symptoms for some advanced prostate cancer patients but doesn't extend life.

View more "cytotoxic agents" in research →

Community Join

5 / 5 results

community If you're sitting there wondering, "I'm losing my hair, what do I do?" then read my advice here. I've been fighting the fight for 7 years, with great success. (pictures included)

in Question 109 upvotes 11 years ago

Fighting hair loss with "The Big 3" treatments of Propecia, Rogaine and Nizoral shampoo, as well as specific advice on how to use these products. People have shared their long-term success stories and some have discussed the side effects of finasteride. Other suggestions included Lipogaine and Pura D'or Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner.

community I started rapidly diffuse thinning at 22. I'm 42 now and have as much hair as I did at 16. AMA

in Treatment 443 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, PRP, and microneedling helped maintain hair for 20 years. Research and try evidence-based treatments for best results.

community Alfatradiol to combat hair loss

8 upvotes 10 years ago

Hair loss discussion includes treatments Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841. Alfatradiol is suggested as another potential solution.

community Switched from finasteride to dutasteride - 2 month update

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 6 upvotes 1 year ago

The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss treatment, but experienced increased libido, itchy scalp, and accelerated hair loss. Another user suggested that genetic variations might cause dutasteride to be less effective and recommended checking for specific genetic markers.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.