Labetalol is a medication prescribed primarily to manage high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It functions as a combination agent, possessing both alpha-blocker and beta-blocker properties. This dual action allows it to relax blood vessels and slow the heart rate simultaneously, making it useful for treating severe hypertension and high blood pressure during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia. Individuals taking this medication often search for information regarding potential side effects, with a common concern being whether Labetalol can cause hair loss. This article addresses that question, providing context on the reported incidence and the biological mechanisms behind drug-related hair changes.
Hair Loss as a Reported Side Effect
Hair loss, medically termed alopecia, is listed in the prescribing information for Labetalol, but it is generally considered a rare adverse effect. Unlike common side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or nausea, hair loss is infrequently reported. This means that the vast majority of individuals who take Labetalol do not experience significant hair shedding.
The type of hair loss associated with Labetalol, and other beta-blockers, is often described as reversible alopecia. This term indicates that the hair loss is temporary and not related to the destruction of the hair follicle itself. The low incidence rate suggests that only a small portion of the population may be affected by this side effect.
Understanding Drug-Induced Hair Changes
When a medication causes hair shedding, the biological process is usually related to Telogen Effluvium (TE). This is the most common form of drug-induced hair loss and affects the normal cycle of hair growth. Hair follicles cycle through three main phases: anagen (the active growth phase), catagen (a short transitional phase), and telogen (the resting phase).
Under normal circumstances, only about 5% to 15% of scalp hairs are in the telogen phase at any given time. Certain medications, including Labetalol, can prematurely push a significantly higher number of actively growing anagen hairs into this resting phase. This sudden, synchronized shift means that two to four months after starting the drug, a large quantity of hair enters the final shedding stage simultaneously. The resulting hair loss is typically a diffuse thinning across the entire scalp.
Next Steps if Hair Loss Occurs
If you notice significant hair shedding or thinning after beginning Labetalol, contact your prescribing physician or healthcare provider immediately. Because Labetalol is used to treat serious conditions like hypertension, you should never stop taking the medication abruptly on your own. Discontinuing a beta-blocker without medical guidance can lead to severe health consequences, including a rapid and unsafe rise in blood pressure.
Your doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine if the medication is the likely cause or if other factors are responsible, such as stress, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies. Note the timing and pattern of the loss, as a diffuse thinning starting a few months after initiating the drug strongly suggests Telogen Effluvium. If Labetalol is identified as the cause, the hair loss is usually reversible. The hair follicles will typically resume normal growth a few months after the medication is discontinued or switched.