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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Hair Fall Be The Side Effects Of Taking Eye Infection Medicines?

I am using Vancomycin Ophth 50mg/ml and Tobramycin Forte 15 mg/ml and Vigamox for an eye infection for approximately 6 weeks. During this time I have noticed that my hair has thinned considerably. Can this be caused by any of these medications? Other than these medications, nothing else has changed.
posted on Sun, 16 Feb 2014
Twitter Sun, 16 Feb 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 17 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

Since you are using topical eye drops for management of eye infection, which have minimal systemic absorption, the hair fall cannot be considered as a side effect of the medications.

Causes of hair loss/thinning of hair are:
1. Environmental factors
2. Stress
3. Deficiency of certain minerals, vitamins & amino acids in diet. e.g. Iron, zinc, Vit B complex, lysine.
4. Hormonal factors. e.g. Thyroxine
5. Any incidence of surgery, shock, etc.

Management includes:
1. Treating the underlying cause
2. Avoidance of stress
3. Dietary modifications
4. Minoxidil solution to be applied locally to stimulate the hair follicles
5. Multivitamin & multi mineral supplementation

So, it will be better to consult a Dermatologist to find out the underlying cause & start treatment accordingly.
There is no need to worry.
Your hairs will grow back again.

Wishing you a Good Health.
Take care.
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Could Hair Fall Be The Side Effects Of Taking Eye Infection Medicines?

Hello dear, Since you are using topical eye drops for management of eye infection, which have minimal systemic absorption, the hair fall cannot be considered as a side effect of the medications. Causes of hair loss/thinning of hair are: 1. Environmental factors 2. Stress 3. Deficiency of certain minerals, vitamins & amino acids in diet. e.g. Iron, zinc, Vit B complex, lysine. 4. Hormonal factors. e.g. Thyroxine 5. Any incidence of surgery, shock, etc. Management includes: 1. Treating the underlying cause 2. Avoidance of stress 3. Dietary modifications 4. Minoxidil solution to be applied locally to stimulate the hair follicles 5. Multivitamin & multi mineral supplementation So, it will be better to consult a Dermatologist to find out the underlying cause & start treatment accordingly. There is no need to worry. Your hairs will grow back again. Wishing you a Good Health. Take care.