Hair Loss as a Side Effect

A large part of manhood around the world is tormented by a common problem: hair loss. Instead of being concerned for their ever-receding hairline, men should take a more practical stance and learn about the exact causes of the male-pattern of balding.

Among other things, hair loss may occur as a side effect of some medicines. Interestingly, some shampoos for oily hair and hair loss treatment such as Nizoral may cause hair loss as an unwanted side effect. It should be noted that medicines and their possible side effects will affect individual people in different ways.
Heavy medications administered for life-threatening diseases, such as cancer chemotherapy courses, may cause excessive hair loss and even baldness, but most people are ready to put up with it.


Persons who have high levels of cholesterol in their blood or a high blood pressure should try to keep them in check through healthier dietary habits. The cholesterol-lowering drugs and the Beta-blockers for high blood pressure such as clofibrate, gemfibrozil, and atenolol may cause hair loss as a side effect.
In addition, hair loss may be caused by some medicines used in the treatment of ulcer, such as cimetidine and ranitidine, and medications against gout: Loporin and Zyloprim.

Men who have arthritis or Parkinson`s disease may suffer from hair loss, if they are prescribed medicines such as penicillamine or levodopa. Persons should bear in mind that some medications that are used in the treatment of epilepsy, for instance trimethadione, cause hair loss as a side effect.

Hair loss may occur in professional athletes, following the use of performance-enhancement drugs like the anabolic steroids. Many of the antidepressants, such as tricyclics and amphetamines, may cause excessive hair loss.

Persons are advised to ask their physicians if the prescribed medication may cause excessive hair loss. If the medicine in question has this side effect, the patient can request a substitute. If the prescription has been already filed, persons may ask their pharmacist about the possible side effects of all prescribed medications.  In this way, they will double check if the doctor has explained all possible effects of the medicines.