Does metoprolol cause hair loss?
Hair loss was not a commonly-reported side effect during clinical trials of metoprolol. However, rare reports of reversible hair loss have been reported by patients taking it. After stopping the medication, hair grows back again.
Typically, hair loss doesn’t occur until a few months after starting metoprolol. This is because it can take 2-5 months for hair to fall out after a trigger, like metoprolol, is present. At this time, you may notice clumps of hair coming out during brushing or showering.
How common is hair loss from metoprolol?
While data is limited, hair loss from metoprolol appears to be rare. According to the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System, there have been 342 reports of hair loss associated with metoprolol. Because this is volunteered data, it is not fully clear if the hair loss reported by these patients was truly due to metoprolol or another reason.
Why does metoprolol cause hair loss?
It is thought that beta blockers like metoprolol can cause hair that is in the anagen (growth) phase to switch into the telogen (resting) phase. When they switch back into the growth phase, the hair strands fall out. This can cause a large amount of hair shedding to occur, which is called telogen effluvium.
What should I do if I am having hair loss from metoprolol?
If you notice more hair falling out than usual while taking metoprolol, speak to your healthcare provider. They will evaluate you and help you determine whether the hair loss is due to metoprolol or another cause. If it appears likely that your hair loss is being caused by metoprolol, your healthcare provider may suggest an alternative treatment option.
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How to stop hair loss from metoprolol?
While it might not be possible to prevent hair loss from metoprolol, there are several steps you can take to minimize its impact on your hair.
Comprehensive Treatment and Management Strategies
If you're experiencing hair loss from metoprolol, several evidence-based treatment options can help promote regrowth and minimize further thinning:
Topical Therapies
- Minoxidil (with or without finasteride): The most established treatment for drug-induced hair loss. Topical minoxidil helps stimulate hair regrowth and reduce ongoing hair loss.
Nutritional Support
Research-backed supplements that may help include:
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): Stimulates keratin production
- Vitamin B Complex: Supports red blood cell production for oxygen delivery to scalp
- Vitamin C: Reduces oxidative stress and supports collagen production
- Vitamin D and E: Modulates growth of keratinocytes and have antioxidant properties
- Vitamin A: Necessary for cell growth, but too much can lead to hair loss
Professional Treatments
Advanced options available through dermatologists include:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Uses your own blood platelets to stimulate growth
- Dermaroller therapy: Micro-needling to enhance scalp circulation
- Mesotherapy: Direct nutrient injection into the scalp
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements or treatments to ensure they won't interfere with your current medications.
References
- Aledani, E. M., Kaur, H., Kasapoglu, M., Yadavalli, R., Nawaz, S., Althwanay, A., & Nath, T. S. (2024). Mesotherapy as a Promising Alternative to Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 16(5), e59705. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.59705
- Graeber, C. W., et. al. 1981. Metoprolol and alopecia. In: Cutis. Accessed on August 30, 2024 at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7318502/
- Hughes, E. C., et. al. 2024. Telogen Effluvium. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed on August 30, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430848/
- Metoprolol succinate [package insert]. Updated March 2024. BluePoint Laboratories. Accessed on August 30, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=99ecc717-38ab-4d00-8bf2-86a41b1c7977
- Metoprolol tartrate. Updated May 2023. Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. Accessed on August 30, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=cb76a73f-549a-4170-b96a-f93ed7e09464
- Patel, D. P., Swink, S. M., & Castelo-Soccio, L. (2017). A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin appendage disorders, 3(3), 166–169. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981
- Phillips, T. G., et. al. 2017. Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment. In: American Family Physician. Accessed on August 30, 2024 at https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0915/p371.html
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Public Dashboard. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fdas-adverse-event-reporting-system-faers/fda-adverse-event-reporting-system-faers-public-dashboard
Read next
Does metoprolol make you sleepy?
Yes, metoprolol can make you sleepy. One reason may be because beta blockers slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Your body might adjust to the medication, but if you feel so tired that it is interfering with your daily activities you should let your healthcare provider know. Continue reading
What medications are known to cause hair loss?
Medication-induced hair loss represents a significant concern for patients across multiple therapeutic categories. While chemotherapy drugs are most commonly associated with severe hair loss, many commonly prescribed medications-including antibiotics, psychiatric drugs, cardiovascular agents, and hormonal therapies-can also cause this distressing side effect.
Continue reading
How long does Metoprolol stay in your system after you stop taking it?
The half life of Metoprolol is between 3 and 7 hours. This is the time it takes for the drug levels in your plasma to reduce by half.
For a drug to be totally eliminated from your system it takes around 5.5 times the half life. As an estimate then, after taking a dose of Metoprolol it should be out of your system within 16.5 to 38.5 hours. Continue reading
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