Amlodipine and Diarrhea: Is It a Side Effect and What Should You Do?

Yes, diarrhea can occur as a side effect of amlodipine. Official prescribing information lists gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea among reported adverse reactions with amlodipine. ^[1] Diarrhea appears across multiple amlodipine product labels (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg), indicating it has been observed at standard doses. ^{[2] [3]} This is typically not the most common side effect ankle swelling (edema) is more frequent but diarrhea is recognized in the drug’s safety profile. ^[4]

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How Common and Why It Happens

• Recognized but less common: Clinical safety reviews show amlodipine is generally well tolerated; gastrointestinal side effects occur, but edema is the predominant issue compared with placebo and some other blood pressure medicines. ^[4]
• Possible mechanisms: As a calcium channel blocker, amlodipine relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels; effects on gut smooth muscle can alter motility, which may contribute to bowel habit changes like diarrhea or constipation in some individuals. ^[4]

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When to Seek Medical Advice

• Persistent or severe diarrhea: If your diarrhea is severe, continues beyond a couple of days, or is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or fainting, contact your clinician promptly because ongoing fluid loss can lower blood pressure and cause dehydration. ^[5]
• Red flags: Call your clinician if you notice signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, reduced urination), blood in stool, fever, or significant weakness, as these warrant medical evaluation. ^[5]

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Practical Steps You Can Take

• Hydration and electrolytes: Replace fluids and salts lost through diarrhea to reduce the risk of low blood pressure or dizziness while on amlodipine. ^[5]
• Simple diet temporarily: Consider bland foods (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) until symptoms improve; avoid high‑fat, spicy foods and alcohol while diarrhea persists. (General supportive advice, not a source‑based directive.)
• Review timing and other causes: Diarrhea can be caused by infections, new foods, or other medicines; track onset relative to starting amlodipine and discuss patterns with your clinician. ^[4]
• Medication adjustments: If diarrhea is clearly related to amlodipine and does not settle, your clinician may consider dose adjustment or switching to another antihypertensive with a comparable effect but a different side‑effect profile. ^[4]

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Combination Products and Similar Considerations

• Amlodipine with ACE inhibitors or ARBs: Some fixed‑dose combinations that include amlodipine list diarrhea among potential side effects as well. ^[6]
• Olmesartan combinations: If you take a combination containing olmesartan, be aware that rare cases of severe, chronic diarrhea with weight loss and intestinal changes have been reported after months to years; persistent symptoms require evaluation and possible discontinuation if no other cause is found. ^{[7] [8] [9]}

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Summary

• Diarrhea is a reported side effect of amlodipine, although it is not among the most frequent adverse reactions. ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Most cases are mild and short‑lived, but you should seek medical advice for severe or ongoing diarrhea, especially if you feel faint or very weak, because dehydration can lower your blood pressure further. ^[5]
• Supportive care (hydration, diet) and clinician review of your medications can help determine whether to continue, adjust, or change therapy. ^[4]