This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Drug-induced diffuse hair loss

Authoring team

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."


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.