What Are the Medications That Cause Hair Loss?

There are hundreds of drugs that can cause hair loss. Physicians might fail to inform patients when a medication being prescribed that hair loss could occur because the necessity of the drug outweighs the risk of hair loss. Therefore, don't judge a doctor as having an inconsiderate bedside manner when his best interest is with the patient.

Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer are the main type of drugs associated with hair loss. But once treatment has been completed, hair eventually grows back.

Antidepressants

There are many antidepressant drugs that can contribute to hair loss. The most common antidepressants include: Anafranil, Elavin, Haldol, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft.

Blood Thinners

Certain types of blood thinning drugs have the side effects of hair loss, including: Coumadin, Heparin, Panwarfin and Sofarin.

Beta Blockers

Beta-blocker drugs used to treat glaucoma, such as Timoptic, can contribute to hair loss as well as beta blockers prescribed for proper heart function and to control high blood pressure. Those include: Blocadren, Corgard, Inderal, Lopressor and Tenormin.

Ulcer and Digestive Medications

Medications used to treat ulcers, indigestion and other digestive disorders can have the side effect of hair loss. These include both prescription and over-the-counter medications: Pepcid, Zantac and Tagamet.

Hormone Drugs

Drugs containing hormones used to treat males and females for a variety of conditions, including: birth control pills, hormone-replacement therapy, androgenic hormones, testosterone hormones, Prednisone and steroids.

Resources

• List of Drugs That Cause Hair Loss