Can Metoprolol Cause Hair Loss? The Connection Between Beta-Blockers and Hair Shedding

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 1 in 100 people taking metoprolol in clinical trials reported mild allergic reactions such as rash and itching, and rare reports of hair loss have also been documented by patients. The question 'Can metoprolol cause hair loss?' concerns many patients, and while uncommon, it is a documented potential side effect.

Quick Summary

Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, can cause temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, although this is a rare side effect reported by some patients. The hair loss is typically reversible upon discontinuation, but any changes to medication must be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Rarity of Hair Loss: Hair loss is a rare and uncommon side effect associated with metoprolol.
Telogen Effluvium: The hair loss mechanism is believed to be telogen effluvium, where hair follicles enter the resting phase prematurely.
Reversible Condition: In most cases, the hair loss is temporary and reversible once the medication is stopped or adjusted.
Do Not Stop Abruptly: Patients should never stop taking metoprolol on their own, as it is used for serious medical conditions like high blood pressure and can cause significant health risks if stopped suddenly.
Consult a Doctor: A healthcare provider can help confirm the cause of hair loss and discuss safe alternative medications or management strategies.
Delayed Onset and Recovery: Hair shedding may begin a few months after starting the medication, and regrowth can take several months after the trigger is removed.

Is Metoprolol-Induced Hair Loss Common?

Hair loss is not a frequently reported side effect of metoprolol, and it was not a common finding during the drug's clinical trials. However, some people have reported reversible hair loss after starting treatment with this medication. Data from voluntary reporting systems, like the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), show hundreds of reported cases of hair loss associated with metoprolol, but these reports do not definitively prove causation. It is important to remember that metoprolol is a vital medication for managing conditions such as high blood pressure and angina, and any concerns about side effects should always be weighed against the significant benefits it provides.

The Mechanism of Action: Telogen Effluvium

The most common type of drug-induced hair loss is called telogen effluvium. In this condition, an external factor, such as a medication, causes a higher-than-normal percentage of hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase prematurely. The hair then sheds excessively once the growth phase (anagen) attempts to restart.

Normal Hair Cycle: A healthy person typically has about 90% of their hair follicles in the growth phase (anagen) and 10% in the resting phase (telogen).
Telogen Effluvium: This condition can cause up to 30% of hair follicles to enter the resting phase, leading to noticeable shedding.
Onset: For those affected, the shedding typically begins a few months after starting metoprolol, as it takes time for the hair cycle to be disrupted and for the shedding to become apparent.

Managing Hair Loss from Metoprolol

If you believe your hair loss is linked to metoprolol, the most crucial step is to consult your healthcare provider. Never stop taking your prescribed medication without professional medical advice, as this could lead to serious cardiovascular events. Your doctor can help determine if the medication is the cause and explore solutions. Management strategies may include:

Alternative Medications: Your doctor may consider switching you to a different medication, such as an ACE inhibitor or calcium channel blocker, which are less commonly associated with hair loss.
Dosage Adjustment: In some cases, adjusting the dosage may alleviate the shedding.
Lifestyle and Diet: A diet rich in nutrients vital for hair health can be beneficial. These include iron, protein, zinc, and vitamins B, C, D, and E.
Scalp and Hair Care: A gentle hair care routine, avoiding harsh chemicals, tight hairstyles, and excessive heat, can help reduce further stress on the hair follicles.
Topical Treatments: Your doctor may recommend a topical solution like minoxidil, which can help stimulate hair regrowth.
Professional Therapies: Advanced treatments like low-level laser therapy (LPT) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be explored in certain situations, following a dermatologist's consultation.

Comparison of Beta-Blockers and Hair Loss Risk

It is worth noting that hair loss can be a potential side effect of several beta-blockers, not just metoprolol. The risk and severity can vary among different drugs in this class.


Beta-Blocker	Brand Names	Hair Loss Risk	Common Mechanism
Metoprolol	Lopressor, Toprol-XL	Rare	Telogen Effluvium
Propranolol	Inderal, Inderal LA	Rare	Telogen Effluvium
Atenolol	Tenormin	Rare	Telogen Effluvium
Nadolol	Corgard	Rare	Telogen Effluvium

Is the Hair Loss Permanent?

For most individuals, metoprolol-induced hair loss is temporary and reversible. Once the body adjusts to the medication, the hair cycle may return to normal, or it may resolve after the medication is discontinued. The regrowth process can take several months, as the hair follicles need time to recover and resume normal function. The shedding doesn't typically cause permanent follicle damage or scarring. If you and your doctor decide to switch medications, hair regrowth can often be observed within 6–12 months.

Conclusion

While the prospect of hair loss is concerning, it is important to understand that the side effect with metoprolol is rare and typically temporary. For individuals experiencing hair shedding, the first and most vital step is to consult with a healthcare provider to confirm the cause and discuss the safest path forward. Because metoprolol treats serious conditions, it is critical not to stop the medication suddenly. Your doctor can help you explore safe alternatives, adjust your dosage, or recommend supportive therapies to manage the issue. With proper medical guidance and a proactive approach, normal hair growth can often be restored over time.

For more detailed prescribing information and potential side effects, you can consult the DailyMed resource from the National Library of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hair loss from metoprolol is considered rare. It was not a commonly reported side effect in clinical trials, although rare cases have been documented by patients since the drug became available.

Metoprolol is thought to cause telogen effluvium. This is a temporary condition that causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely, leading to excessive hair shedding.

For those who experience this side effect, hair loss typically does not begin immediately. It can take several months (2–5 months) for the shedding to become noticeable after starting the medication.

No, in most cases, hair loss caused by metoprolol is temporary. Once the medication is discontinued or the body adjusts, hair follicles typically resume their normal growth cycle.

You should speak with your healthcare provider immediately. They can evaluate your symptoms, rule out other causes, and help you determine the best course of action. Do not stop taking the medication on your own.

Yes, if metoprolol is determined to be the cause, your doctor might recommend switching to an alternative medication, such as an ACE inhibitor or a different beta-blocker, which may have a lower risk of this side effect. Any change in medication must be medically supervised.

Yes, hair growth usually resumes after stopping metoprolol. It may take 6–12 months for hair volume to return to normal, as the follicles need time to recover.

Yes, hair loss is a potential side effect of several beta-blockers, including propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin).