Drug-induced diffuse hair loss

Several drugs may cause a generalised hair loss of no obvious pattern. The condition is better tolerated if the patient is warned beforehand. A well made wig will often improve morale.

Common causes of iatrogenic alopecia include:

• cytotoxics - cyclosphosphamide, mercaptopurine derivatives, colchicine, adriamycin
• antithyroid drugs - carbimazole, thiouracil
• anticoagulants - heparin, warfarin
• antituberculous agents - ethionamide
• excess vitamin A and synthetic retinoids
• oral contraceptives

In the absence of a demonstrable cause, the condition is often labelled as "idiopathic diffuse hair loss."