• Drug induced hair color changes
• Drug induced hair color changes references

Drug induced hair color changes

Of pharmaceutical drugs, chloroquine and cancer chemotherapeutic agents are the most common cause of changes in hair color. Chemotherapeutic agents frequently cause hair loss, but in some people hair may not be lost but rather it changes color. People with dark hair seem to retain a greater concentration of chemotherapeutic agents within the hair fiber as compared to drug concentration in light colored hair. Whether this means dark hair is more prone to color changes is not known but it is a possibility.

Other drugs, such as alpha interferon, cyclosporin, p-aminobenzoic acid, calcium pantothenate, anthralin, chinoform, mephenesin, minoxidil, propofol, valproic acid, and verapamil have also been reported to promote hair color changes. This is not a comprehensive list of drugs that induce changes in hair color so if you suspect a drug induced hair color change, consult with your doctor.

Changes in hair color may be brought about by biochemical interaction within melanocyte cells in hair follicles either reducing or increasing pigment production. Drugs may also modify the mechanisms by which the pigment is incorporated into hair fibers. In addition, some drugs, such as minoxidil, may alter the physical properties of the hair and reduce or increase light reflectance. The amount of light reflected from hair can give the impression of a significant change in hair color to the observer.

Drug induced hair color changes references

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