Loss of eyebrows (madarosis) after use of long-acting methylphenidate: case report

To the Editors: “Madarosis” from the Greek root of “madao” (shedding) is a term in medical terminology used to define loss of eyebrows and/or eyelashes due to shedding. Madarosis can arise as a clinical sign of diverse local or systemic disorders with various etiologies. The medical causes of madarosis include infections of eye and related structures (eg, blepharitis), dermatological disorders (eg, telogen effluvium, dermatitis, psoriasis), systemic and endocrine disorders (eg, systemic lupus erythematosus, hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism/hypoparathyroidism), nutritional deficiencies leading to protein and trace element deficits (eg, zinc, biotine, ferritin), infections (eg, lepra, syphilis, fungi, and various parasites), trichotillomania, local radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and some of the pharmaceuticals.1 Madarosis can be induced by diverse groups of pharmaceuticals, among which retinoids, heparine, antiepileptics, inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, androgenes, miotics, anticoagulants, lithium, propranolol, bromocriptine, statins, and antithyroid agents are listed. Those may lead to shedding and loss of the eyelashes and eyebrows in the telogen phase.