Does Dapsone cause hair loss?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Does Dapsone cause hair loss?
Dapsone can cause hair loss, but it is not commonly reported and is listed as one of the rare side effects of this medication. The exact reason why Dapsone causes hair loss in some people and not in others is not fully known.
However, experts believe that some factors may make some people more sensitive to such side effects as age, dose, duration of treatment, any underlying health condition, and how they respond to the medication.
If you’re on Dapsone and you’re noticing your hair getting thinner each day or if you find your comb full of hair when you’re done brushing, talk to your healthcare provider.
What is the incidence of hair loss with Dapsone?
The incidence of hair loss associated with Dapsone is relatively low. Research suggests that hair loss is a rare side effect of Dapsone treatment. The exact mechanism by which Dapsone can cause hair loss is not well understood.
It is believed that Dapsone may disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning or shedding (1,2). However, it’s important to note that hair loss with Dapsone is not common and occurs in only a small percentage of individuals taking the medication.
What to do if you’re experiencing hair loss while taking Dapsone?
If you’re experiencing hair loss while taking Dapsone, talk to your doctor. If the drug is the actual culprit, your doctor may reduce your dose to help your body adjust to the medication.
If it works, that’s good for you. If it doesn’t and the drug continues to affect your hair growth severely, your doctor may switch you to another medication. It’s essential not to stop or adjust your medication without medical advice, as abrupt changes may not be safe or effective.
Tips for improving your hair health
Some helpful tips for improving your hair health include:
- Maintain a healthy diet: Include a variety of nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to provide essential vitamins and minerals for hair health.
- Hydrate adequately: Drink enough water to keep your body and scalp hydrated, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing dryness.
- Practice gentle hair care: Avoid harsh brushing, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can cause breakage and damage to your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb and handle wet hair with care.
- Protect your hair from the sun: Shield your hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing a hat or using products with UV protection to prevent dryness and sun damage.
- Avoid excessive chemical treatments: Minimize the use of chemical treatments like colouring, perming, or straightening, as they can weaken and damage your hair over time.
- Limit heat styling: Reduce the use of hot styling tools like straighteners and curling irons, and always apply a heat protectant spray before using them to minimize heat damage.
- Be mindful of hair products: Choose hair care products suitable for your hair type and avoid those containing harsh chemicals that can strip natural oils and cause dryness.
- Protect hair during swimming: Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to create a barrier against chlorine or saltwater damage.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can impact hair health. Practice stress-reducing techniques like exercise, meditation, or hobbies to promote overall well-being, including healthy hair.
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References
1.-
Kurien G, Jamil RT, Preuss CV. Dapsone. 2023 Mar 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262067. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470552
2.-
Wolf R, Matz H, Orion E, Tuzun B, Tuzun Y. Dapsone. Dermatol Online J. 2002 Jun;8(1):2. PMID: 12165212. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165212/
