Medications That Can Cause Hair Loss: Everything You Need To Know
- Dr Jangid, MD
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Medications are intended to treat a wide range of illnesses, but they can have unexpected side effects. Some Medication causes hair loss, changes in hair color or texture, or excessive hair growth in unwanted areas. Drug-induced hair loss has the potential to seriously impact your sense of self, just like any other type of hair loss. Medications can cause hair loss that ranges from little thinning to total baldness. Fortunately, it is usually reversible after stopping the medication.
Severity Level | Common Drug Types | Hair Loss Pattern |
Mild (10-30% loss) | Beta-blockers, Antidepressants, Retinoids | Diffuse thinning |
Moderate (30-60% loss) | Anticoagulants, Statins, Immunosuppressants | Patchy or diffuse |
Severe (60-90% loss) | Chemotherapy drugs | Full or near-total scalp hair loss |
Key Takeaways:
Certain Medication causes hair loss. Hair thinning or clumping can occur with some medications. Antidepressants, chemotherapy, and anti-seizure medication are common examples.
Blood thinners, tamoxifen, and oral retinoids may also cause hair loss. When you discontinue the drug, it usually resolves, but sometimes it may not.
Types of Hair Loss from Medications
Telogen efflux (TE):
70-80% of drug-induced hair loss is caused by TE. This happens when drugs cause excessive shedding by forcing hair follicles into the resting phase.
Anagen Effluvium (AE):
20-30% of cases are of this type. It frequently results from chemotherapy or exposure to harmful drugs and affects hair throughout its growth phase.
How Do Drugs Affect Hair Loss?
Drugs affect the regular cycle of scalp hair growth, which results in hair loss. The hair develops throughout the anagen period, which spans two to seven years. The hair rests during the roughly three-month-long telogen period. The hair falls out and is replaced by new hair at the end of the telogen period. Telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium are the two forms in which Medication causes hair loss.
The most prevalent Medication that causes hair loss is telogen effluvium. It typically shows up two to four months after beginning the medication. This disorder results in premature hair follicle telogen, or resting phase. Telogen effluvium patients typically lose 30-70% more hair per day than the average person.
Types of Medication causes hair loss
There are a wide range of medications that cause hair loss, including:
Drugs for acne that contain vitamin A (retinoids)
Antifungal medications and antibiotics
Antidepressants
Birth control tablets
Anticoagulant medications
Cholesterol Medicines
Immune-suppressive medications
Medication used to treat malignancies, including breast cancer
Anticonvulsants, or medications for epilepsy
Anti-hypertensive drugs for high blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers
Hormone replacement treatment
Mood stabilizers
NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Drugs for Parkinson's disease
Steroids
Tamoxifen prevents breast cancer by blocking the estrogen receptor.
Thyroid Medication
How does SkinQure help when medication causes hair loss?
Medication causes hair loss by impacting the cycles of hair growth. Dr. Jangid, a leading Hair doctor in Delhi at SkinQure, diagnoses the underlying cause and formulates successful treatments. He is determined to prevent hair fall and stimulate regrowth.
In case of severe hair loss, we also provide Hair Transplant in Delhi with modern methods. Hair doctor in Delhi perform FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) for natural outcomes.
We track progress and modify treatments for optimal results. Most patients notice noticeable improvement within months. Consult SkinQure for professional treatment and regain healthy hair.
Conclusion
Medication-induced hair loss is stressful, but usually temporary. Finding the cause and consulting a hair doctor in Delhi is beneficial in controlling the condition. Dr. Jangid of SkinQure assists patients in restoring healthy hair once hair loss occurs due to medication. As a leading hair doctor in Delhi, he scans the scalp and identifies the cause. He recommends safe treatments such as PRP therapy, laser therapy, Hair Transplant in Delhi. If required, he also does hair transplant in Delhi for long-lasting results. His professional care gives back the hair growth and confidence. We always stick to the best possible solutions for every patient.
If you are experiencing hair fall due to medication, come to SkinQure for proper treatment, and Hair Transplant in Delhi. Immediate action can prevent further hair fall and restore thicker and healthier hair.
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