Is Amlodipine Safe for People with Soy Allergy?

Most standard amlodipine (amlodipine besylate) tablets do not list soy-derived ingredients in their inactive components and are generally considered suitable for people with soy allergy. ^{[1] [2]} However, some combination products that include amlodipine particularly certain amlodipine/atorvastatin tablets do list soybean-derived lecithin as an inactive ingredient, which may be relevant for those with soy allergy. ^{[3] [4]} Because inactive ingredients can vary by manufacturer and product, it’s wise to check the specific product label or ask a pharmacist to confirm the excipient list for your brand and dose. ^{[5] [6]}

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Key Takeaways

• Most single-ingredient amlodipine tablets (amlodipine besylate) do not contain soy-derived excipients such as soybean oil or lecithin, according to multiple publicly available product labels. ^{[1] [2]}
• Some amlodipine combination products (e.g., amlodipine with atorvastatin) do contain soybean lecithin among their inactive ingredients. ^{[3] [4]}
• Product labels advise avoiding a formulation if you are allergic to any inactive ingredient and recommend asking your pharmacist or doctor for the full ingredient list. ^{[5] [7]}
• Highly refined soybean oils typically have very low protein content and are less likely to trigger IgE-mediated allergic reactions, but sensitive individuals should still exercise caution with any soy-derived excipient. ^{[8] [9]}

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What Official Labels Say

• Consumer and professional labeling for amlodipine besylate tablets commonly list excipients such as calcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, or magnesium stearate without mention of soy. ^{[1] [2]}
• These labels clearly advise: do not use amlodipine if you are allergic to amlodipine or to any inactive ingredients, and they encourage consulting a pharmacist for a detailed ingredient list. ^{[5] [6]}

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Soy in Specific Amlodipine Products

Some products that combine amlodipine with atorvastatin list soybean lecithin among inactive ingredients, which indicates the presence of a soy-derived component. ^{[3] [4]} This is not universal across all brands or doses, but its inclusion demonstrates that not all amlodipine-containing formulations are soy-free. ^{[10] [11]}

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Understanding Allergy Risk from Soy-Derived Excipients

• Research indicates that highly refined oils (including soybean oil) generally contain very low levels of residual protein and have not triggered reactions in controlled challenges among soybean-sensitive individuals. ^{[8] [12]}
• Separate analyses have shown detectable but very low protein levels can be present in excipients derived from allergenic foods, underscoring the need for caution and individualized risk assessment in food-allergic patients. ^[9]
• In practice, many people with soy allergy tolerate medications that use refined soy-derived excipients, but sensitivity varies, and the safest approach is to choose a soy-free formulation when possible. ^[9]

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Practical Guidance for Soy-Allergic Individuals

• Ask your pharmacist to verify the exact inactive ingredient list for the brand and strength you receive; excipients can differ by manufacturer and by lot. ^{[5] [6]}
• Prefer single-ingredient amlodipine besylate tablets from manufacturers that do not list soy-derived excipients, based on their published ingredient lists. ^{[1] [2]}
• Be cautious with combination products (e.g., amlodipine/atorvastatin), as some list soybean lecithin. If you need a combination therapy, your clinician may be able to select a brand without soy-derived excipients or use separate components. ^{[3] [4]}
• Report any symptoms after starting a new formulation (hives, swelling, wheezing, or GI symptoms), and seek immediate care if severe reactions occur. ^[6]

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Examples of Inactive Ingredient Lists

Below are representative examples from publicly available labels; actual products can vary by manufacturer.

Product name	Active ingredient(s)	Notable inactive ingredients listed	Soy-derived excipient present
Amlodipine besylate tablet (single-ingredient)	Amlodipine	Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, silicon dioxide, stearic acid or magnesium stearate	No soy listed on label [1] [2]
Amlodipine besylate 10 mg (generic label example)	Amlodipine	Magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate	No soy listed on label [13] [14]
Amlodipine and atorvastatin tablet (film-coated)	Amlodipine + atorvastatin	Sodium carbonate, silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, arginine, soybean lecithin	Yes, soybean lecithin listed [3] [4]

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Bottom Line

For most people with soy allergy, standard amlodipine besylate tablets are likely acceptable because they typically do not include soy-derived excipients on their labels. ^{[1] [2]} Some amlodipine-containing combination products do include soybean lecithin, so verifying the exact formulation you receive is important. ^{[3] [4]} If you have a history of severe soy reactions, choose a soy-free amlodipine formulation and confirm excipients with your pharmacist or prescriber before starting. ^{[5] [6]}