Alopecia and drug eruption of the scalp associated with a new beta-blocker, nadolol.

Abstract

Infiltrative dermatitis and marked alopecia of the scalp appeared shortly after a new beta-blocker, nadolol (Corgard), was prescribed for the treatment of a patient with hypertension. Cessation of the beta-blocker therapy, after four months of therapy, was followed by a dramatic involution of the eruption, and total regrowth of scalp hair occurred within three months. The associated eruption and rapid regrowth of hair upon discontinuation of nadolol distinguish this alopecia from the telogen effluvium previously associated with other beta-blocker drugs, such as propranolol (Inderal) and metoprolol (Lopressor).