Does Pantoprazole Cause Hair Loss?

Hair Restoration Doctor

Pantoprazole is a medication that is used to treat damage that results from gastroesophageal reflux disease. This condition is when there is a backwards flow of acid from the stomach. It can cause a person to suffer from heartburn as well as a possible injury to the esophagus. The medication allows the esophagus to heal, prevents any further damage from happening to the esophagus, and decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

One of the main concerns some patients have about the use of pantoprazole is the fear that it might cause hair loss. Is this true? Can pantoprazole result in hair loss for some patients?

While this might not be the answer the public is looking for…The answer to the question above is,” Yes”.

As explained by hair restoration experts, hair loss is a possible side effect of a long-term intake of pantoprazole and there are two types of hair loss that can be caused by this medication:

1. Short-term hair loss, which is also known as telogen effluvium, occurs when the hair follicles are in their resting phase (but new hair growth does continue).
   
2. Anagen effluvium is caused by a higher intake of the medication, and it can slow the flow of blood to the hair follicles. The blood flow includes nutrients that help to strengthen the hair follicles. If the hair does not receive these vital nutrients, a loss of hair on the scalp can start to happen. 

Anyone that is worried about the possibility of hair loss with this drug should know this condition does not happen to everyone that takes pantoprazole. If hair loss does start to happen, there are a few options available to patients: 

• – Minoxidil can be applied to the scalp on the areas of the head that are balding or thinning. Finasteride is also an option, and it is a tablet that is taken by mouth by the person who is experiencing the hair loss. Both of these medical options help to stimulate and promote hair growth on the scalp.
• – If the hair loss proves to be permanent, the patient can also consider undergoing a hair transplant. Hair grafts are moved from the donor area of the body to the balding or thinning areas of the scalp in order to give the hairline a look that is fuller and thicker in appearance.

When it comes to hair loss from pantoprazole, patients are advised to check with a hair restoration doctor in order to determine the best medical or surgical option to address the issue.