Drug alopecia =الحاصة بسبب الأدوية |
Drug alopecia
There is a basic rule of pharmacology that declares that every drug that works has some side effects in some certain circumstances. Besides the common side-effects one is likely to see in many prescription medications is hair loss or thinning of the hair, depending on how the manufacturer words it. With the exception of chemotherapy agents along with Antineoplastic family of drugs, hair loss as a side-effect is rare, but does occur in more then 300 known prescriptions, over the counter and illegal drugs.(1)
According to a 1994 Italian study from the University of Bologna, Italy, Drugs may affect hair follicles in the anagen phase (the growth phase) through 2 main different possibilities: Anagen Effluvium and Telogen Effluvium.
"Drug-induced hair loss is usually reversible after interruption of treatment. The prevalence and severity of alopecia depend on the drug as well as on individual predisposition. Some drugs produce hair loss in most patients receiving appropriate dosages while other drugs are only occasionally responsible for hair abnormalities." (2)
According to a 1995 French report, 15-percent of patients taking Lithium experience hair loss or thinning hair.(3) The study also found:
The drugs are listed by category, according to the conditions they treat, then by brand name first followed by the drug’s generic name in parentheses. In some categories, individual drugs are not listed. For these conditions, you will want to discuss the possibility of hair loss as a side effect of using any of the drugs that treat that particular condition, since many do contribute to hair loss. Acne All drugs derived from vitamin A as treatments for acne or other conditions, including:
Blood Anticoagulants (blood thinners), including:
Cholesterol Cholesterol-lowering drugs, including:
Convulsions/ Epilepsy
Depression
Diet
Fungus
Glaucoma The beta-blocker drugs, including:
Gout
Heart Many drugs prescribed for the heart, including those known as the beta blockers, which are also used to treat high blood pressure, and include:
High Blood Pressure See Above list of beta blockers under “Heart” Hormonal Conditions All hormone-containing drugs and drugs prescribed for hormone-related, reproductive, male-specific, and female-specific conditions and situations have the potential to cause hair loss, including:
Inflammation Many anti-inflammatory drugs, including those prescribed for localized pain, swelling and injury.
An anti-inflammatory that is also used as a chemotherapy drug:
Parkinson’s Disease
Thyroid Disorders
Ulcer Many of the drugs used to treat indigestion, stomach difficulties, and ulcers, including over-the-counter dosages and prescription dosages.
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