Method of reducing hair loss associated with chemotherapy
A method of reducing hair loss (alopecia) in a patient undergoing or scheduled to undergo chemotherapy is claimed. The method involves administering brimonidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the site of the hair follicles.
1. A method of reducing hair loss in a patient scheduled to undergo chemotherapy, the method comprising topically applying a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of brimonidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the hair follicles of the patient prior to undergoing the chemotherapy.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the brimonidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is brimonidine tartrate.
3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutical carrier selected from the group consisting of a foam, conditioner, hair spray, shampoo, gel, cream, emulsion, and solution.
4. A method according to claim 3 , wherein the pharmaceutical carrier is a foam, conditioner, or hair spray.
5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the brimonidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is present in an amount of from about 0.05% by weight to about 5% by weight of the composition.
6. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the brimonidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is present in an amount of from about 0.05% by weight to about 2% by weight of the composition.
7. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is applied three to four hours before the patient is scheduled to undergo chemotherapy.