Hair are something that are not only used to enhance our look but they are also used as an extension to our personality. Additionally, people try different hairstyles to express themselves. Therefore, it is easy to understand that once a person starts losing hair, they can become sad and even depressed, so it is a good idea to be aware of the medication that can cause hair loss.
Acitretin
Belonging to the class of retinoids (related to vitamin A), acitretin is used in severe cases of resistant psoriasis. It works by binding to the nuclear receptors that control the function of genes. After binding, acitretin decreases epidermal hyperplasia, which leads to a slowed down cell production. While it is absorbed quickly in the body, its effects are visible after two weeks of administration. Acitretin is known to cause many dermatological issues, such as flaky skin, itchy skin, dry lips, and hair fall. Additionally, couples trying to conceive are strongly advised against this medicine. Moreover, since it carries the risk of birth defects, people are also advised against donating blood, even after 3 years of administration, as it may end up being administered to a pregnant woman.
Brand Name: Soriatane
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is a form of anticoagulant that is primarily used in the treatment of gout. It works by reducing the level of uric acid in the body. Occasionally, it is also prescribed to people with kidney stones. Allopurinol is either administered orally or injected directly into veins. Presently, allopurinol is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. Roland K. Robins, an American chemist, was the first person to synthesize allopurinol in 1956; however, it was tested for leukemia in the early days. It was introduced as a gout medication in 1966. As for its adverse effects, it can cause serious kidney problems, along with skin problems and hair fall.
Brand Name: Zyloprim
Atenolol
Since atenolol is a beta-blocker, it is primarily used in the treatment of high blood pressure and chest pain caused due to various cardiovascular conditions. Atenolol works by restricting the nerve impulses in the body, particularly in the heart. These reduced impulses in the heart lead to the heart beating slower, resulting in dropped blood pressure. Some of the adverse effects include heart failure, depression, and shortness of breath. Although hair fall is not always experienced on beta-blockers, it is observed in a large number of patients to ignore.
Brand Name: Tenormin
Captopril
Captopril is a type of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and it works by relaxing the blood vessels. Additionally, an alarming property of captopril is that it also decreases the volume of blood in the system. Unsurprisingly, it leads to a drop in blood pressure and decreases the heart’s need for oxygen. It is used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and hypertension. Interestingly, it is also a beta-blocker, meaning people using captopril are likely to experience hair fall. Other side effects of this medicine include itching, coughing, headache, and hypotension.
Brand Name: Capoten
Cimetidine
Developed in 1971, it is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal issues, such as heartburn and peptic ulcers. Cimetidine works by stopping the production of stomach acid, in turn providing relief from the mentioned conditions. Some frequently experienced adverse effects of cimetidine include diarrhea, rashes, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, and muscle pain. Interestingly, it is also used in the treatment of excess hair growth in females, therefore, losing hair is not uncommon with this medicine.
Brand Name: Tagamet
Cyclophosphamide
This medicine works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is a form of an immune suppressor, and it is used in the treatment of various cancers. While it was approved for medical use in 1959, it is enlisted in the World Health Organization’s essential medicines list. Darkening of nails, fatigue, and bladder toxicity are some of its common side effects. Additionally, thinning of hair is a common side effect of cyclophosphamide, resulting in hair loss.
Brand Name: Cytoxan
Enalapril
Enalapril is also an ACE inhibitor, similar to captopril; however, it works by inhibiting the production of substances that cause the tightening of blood vessels. It is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. Enalapril is known to cause serum creatinine, dizziness, low blood pressure, and hair fall.
Brand Name: Vasotec
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and it is prescribed to people suffering from major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, and panic disorder. It works by stopping the brain from absorbing serotonin, resulting in an increased production of serotonin in the system. Some of the common side effects of fluoxetine include sexual dysfunction, rashes, dry mouth, and hair loss.
Brand Name: Prozac
Isotretinoin
A commonly used substance in the treatment of acne, it belongs to the retinoid class of drugs. Isotretinoin shrinks the sebaceous glands (oil glands) in the skin, resulting in a decrease in the production of oil. Because of restricted oil production, the pores remain shut, reducing acne. Thinning of hair is a common side effect of isotretinoin, and over time it can cause hair fall.
Brand Name: Accutane
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole act as both an antiandrogen (testosterone blocker) and antifungal medicine. Usually, it is applied to the skin, and it is used in the treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea. Interestingly, it is also used as a treatment for excessive hair growth, therefore, it should not come as a surprise that ketoconazole causes hair to fall. In addition to this, it also causes liver damage, hypersensitivity, and gastrointestinal issues.
Brand Name: Nizoral
Leflunomide
Primarily used in the treatment of arthritis, this medicine works by reducing inflammation, and also inhibiting the production of certain hormones that lead to inflammation. Some of the most frequent adverse effects of this medicine include hair loss, skin rashes, high blood pressure, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.
Brand Name: Arava
Paroxetine Hydrochloride
Paroxetine Hydrochloride is an SSRI class of drug. People experiencing depression, anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder are often prescribed this medicine. People can expect hair loss, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia after taking this medicine.
Brand Name: Paxil
Timolol
It is also a beta-blocker; however, it is secondarily used in the treatment of high blood pressure and chest pain. Primarily, it is used as an eye drop to decrease pressure in the eyes. When administered through the eyes, it can lead to redness in the eyes, superficial punctate keratopathy, corneal numbness, and thinning of hair.
Brand Name: Timolet
Tretinoin
Largely used as an ointment in the treatment of acne and photoaging. Tretinoin replaces the older skin with new skin and simultaneously decreases the rate at which the body gets rid of damaged skin cells. It is known to cause hair loss, muscle pain, and problems with vision.
Brand Name: Retin-A