Medications That May Cause Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

🔬Hair loss is a commonly reported side effect of many medications, including chemotherapy drugs and certain antifungals.

⌛Medications can cause either antigen effluvium or telogen effluvium, two types of hair loss that affect the hair growth cycle.

💡Antigen effluvium is a sudden and noticeable hair loss, while telogen effluvium is characterized by hair shedding.

⚠️Chemotherapy drugs are known to cause antigen effluvium, resulting in temporary hair loss that usually regrows after treatment.

🩺There are treatment options available, such as topical minoxidil and cooling scalp devices, to help manage and minimize hair loss caused by medications.

What are the two main types of hair loss caused by medications?

—The two main types of hair loss caused by medications are antigen effluvium and telogen effluvium. Antigen effluvium is a sudden and noticeable hair loss, while telogen effluvium is characterized by hair shedding.

Can hair loss caused by medications be permanent?

—In most cases, hair loss caused by medications is temporary. After stopping the medication or completing the treatment, the hair usually regrows within a few months.

Are there any treatments available for medication-induced hair loss?

—Yes, there are treatment options available to manage and minimize hair loss caused by medications. These include topical minoxidil (Rogaine) and cooling scalp devices.

What medications are known to cause hair loss?

—Some medications known to cause hair loss include chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, certain antifungal medications, retinoids taken orally, and certain psychotropic medications.

How can I manage hair loss caused by medications?

—If you experience hair loss as a side effect of medication, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing and minimizing hair loss, which may include adjusting the medication dosage or exploring additional treatment options.

00:00Hair loss is a commonly reported side effect of many medications.

01:30There are two main types of hair loss caused by medications: antigen effluvium and telogen effluvium.

04:30Chemotherapy drugs can cause temporary hair loss, but the hair usually regrows after treatment.

10:00Certain antifungal medications can also cause hair loss, which resolves after discontinuing the medication.

12:00Psychotropic medications, such as certain antidepressants, may cause hair loss in some individuals.