Hair loss induced by dopamine agonist: case report and review of the literature

Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2003 Oct;10(1):51-2. doi: 10.1016/s1353-8020(03)00058-0.

Abstract

We report the case of a female patient with Parkinson's disease who experienced hair loss that appeared after the administration of cabergoline. Her hair re-grew after decreasing the dose of cabergoline, indicating that hair loss was induced by cabergoline. In reviewing the literature, there have been reports of hair loss after administration of various dopaminergic drugs that include levodopa and all types of dopamine receptor agonists. Although the pathophysiological mechanism underlying the hair loss is unclear, hair loss may be possibly overlooked, and should be noted as a possible side effect of the dopaminergic therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alopecia / chemically induced*
  • Alopecia / physiopathology
  • Cabergoline
  • Dopamine Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Ergolines / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Ergolines
  • Cabergoline