Zyloprim As a Cause of Hair Loss

One of the uncommon side effects of Zyloprim is hair loss. When it does occur, the loss is usually temporary, lasting only as long as the treatment. Normal hair growth generally resumes upon ending the medication. Hair loss occurs in both men and women; thinning is more common among women, while balding tends to occur in men.

Male Pattern Baldness

• Commonly referred to as male pattern baldness, androgenic alopecia affects men. This progressive loss of hair on the crown of the scalp is triggered by the presence of the testosterone-like hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks the hair follicle, stunting hair growth.

Allopurinol

• Allopurinol, commonly know by its brand name, Zyloprim, primarily treats chronic gout and hyperuricemia, a condition characterized by excess uric acid in blood plasma. Side effects may include hair loss, as well as other more serious dermatologic conditions.

How Hair Loss Occurs

• Hair loss may not occur immediately after starting Zyloprim treatment and is only a possible side effect, not the norm. The onset of hair loss varies from weeks to years after beginning the treatment. Dosage, treatment duration, and the individual's natural reaction to medications determines the degree of thinning or balding they will experience.

Expert Insight

• Hair generally will begin to regrow naturally usually within several months of discontinuing the medication. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet may help stop hair loss and encourage regrowth, according to Dr. Andrew Weil's website.

Frequency

• According to Drugs.com, alopecia occurs in less than 1% of patients taking Zyloprim, and is "probably causally related" to the hair disorder and other skin conditions.