AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question QUESTION: I have been prescribed irbesartan to treat hypertension, I have noticed that since starting the treatment 6 months ago my occasional mild alopecia areata has flared up severely for the first time in 10 years. Is there any evidence of this being a side effect of irbesartan or is it just coincidence. I've also noticed a definite moustache...
ANSWER: Dear Michelle
This is a rare effect of irbesartan so you are unlucky. If it is very bothersome you could ask for a change in antihypertensive drug.
Regards
Alan Galbraith
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QUESTION: Thank you for confirming my suspicions that the alopecia MAY have been aggravated by this drug. Is it possible that other similar drugs might have the same result and is there a family of anti hypertensive drugs that may be more suitable for someone like me with a propensity for hair loss?
Answer Dear Michelle
There are so many classes of anthypertensives that you really need guidance from your prescriber who knows your case, but the ACE inhibitors are closely related in action to the sartans and should not cause you hair problems. They may be worth a try but do not concenn yourself as I am certain an alternative will be prescribed appropriately.
