There are various drugs that can lead to severe hair fall, induce changes in the hair color and shape and even stimulate the growth. Drug induced hair loss in majority of the cases is the result of the toxic effect that a drug poses on hair matrix.

There are mainly two types of drug induced hair loss which include telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium. The type of hair loss mainly depends upon the type of drug, its dosage and also the patient’s susceptibility. One of the most basic ways of diagnosing hair loss caused by medicinal drugs is by ceasing the use of drug which is suspected to cause the hair loss.  The help of dermatologist can also be taken in order to diagnose the hair loss induced by drugs. Study of drug history also proves to be an effective way of diagnosis.

 Besides drug history there are certain laboratory tests as well like the blood work and scalp biopsy which proves to be helpful in ruling out other cases of hair loss and confirms drug induced loss.  The scalp biopsy provides the terminal vellus ratio and anagen telogen ratio and it also helps in detecting inflammatory process if any.  Thus a proper checkup, drug history and few laboratory tests proves to be helpful in diagnosing the condition of drug induced hair loss.