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Ciprofloxacin and Hair Growth

Ciprofloxacin, or Cipro, is part of the quinalone class of antibiotics. It works against bacterial infections by stopping microorganism growth. It's often used to treat urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections and similar conditions. According to Rx List, it's been shown to be effective against pneumonia in clinical trials, but is not considered a drug of first choice. Unfortunately, ciprofloxacin can also cause hair growth problems in some people.

  1. Misconceptions

    • Many people believe that Cipro can cause hair loss or growth problems when taken on its own. While expected side effects of the drug include skin sensitivity, nausea and skin rashes, it does not seem to affect the hair when taken alone. Cipro's effect on the hair occurs primarily when it is combined with other medications.

    Drug Interaction

    • Ciprofloxacin can interact adversely with thyroid medications, causing hypothyroidism in patients being treated for the disease. Levothyroxine, also called Levothroid, Synthroid and Levoxyl, is absorbed less fully when taken with oral ciprofloxacin. Hypothyroidism can cause hair to fall out, thin or become coarser and dryer than normal. When thyroid levels return to normal, the hair growth problems usually vanish.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Thyroid patients can prevent interactions between Cipro and their thyroid medication by taking the medications at different times. According to Her Hair Loss Help, thyroid treatment absorption normalizes if the two drugs are taken at least 6 hours apart. Patients who need to take Cipro over a long period of time may wish to request the doctors perform periodic thyroid tests to make sure that levels stay normal.

    Warning

    • Thyroid patients who notice changes in their hair growth while taking Cipro should contact a doctor immediately. Hair loss or growth problems are a relatively minor symptom of hypothyroidism. This condition can also cause significant weight gain, feelings of weakness and fatigue, and cold intolerance. It may also affect the libido, menstrual cycle and digestion. Some people suffer from memory loss or depression. Low thyroid levels can even lead to heart failure or a coma if left untreated.

    Considerations

    • Cipro can encourage hair growth when the initial hair loss was caused by a bacterial infection. In cases of hair loss from conditions like folliculitis decalvans, where bacteria cause the scalp to break out and scar, Cipro and related antibiotics can provide relief. According to Medscape, treatment with multiple antibiotics may be required, but an appropriate antibiotic regimen can help sufferers retain and regrow hair for a period of months to years.

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