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Drug-induced alopecia

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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."


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