Based on NIH | Can amlodipine cause hair loss, and how common is this side effect?

Short answer

Yes, amlodipine can be associated with hair loss (alopecia), but it appears to be very uncommon. In clinical trial and post‑marketing data summarized in official drug labeling, alopecia is listed among adverse events occurring in fewer than 0.1% of patients. ^[1] Alopecia is similarly reported at this “less than 0.1%” frequency across multiple amlodipine labels and combination products that include amlodipine. ^{[2] [3] [4]}

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What the official labeling says

• Multiple official amlodipine labels include alopecia among adverse events observed in “<0.1% of patients,” alongside other rare reactions. ^[1] This indicates the event was observed but is exceedingly rare in controlled trials or marketing experience. ^[1]
• The “<0.1%” frequency for alopecia is repeated across different amlodipine besylate tablets and brand combination products, supporting consistency of the rarity estimate. ^{[2] [3] [4]}

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How might hair loss relate to medications

• Drug‑related hair loss most often presents as diffuse shedding known as telogen effluvium, which can be triggered by various stressors or illnesses and may coincide with medication initiation. It is usually reversible after stopping the trigger. ^[5]
• When hair loss starts after a new drug, it’s important to consider other common triggers (fever, major stress, illness, childbirth) before attributing it solely to the drug. ^[6]

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Calcium channel blockers and the skin

• Calcium channel blockers (the class that includes amlodipine) are widely used and generally have a low frequency of skin reactions; alopecia has been reported but is considered uncommon. ^[7]
• Amlodipine has also been rarely associated with other cutaneous effects (for example, photodistributed telangiectasia), underscoring that skin events can occur but remain infrequent. ^[8]

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Practical guidance if you notice hair thinning

• Because alopecia with amlodipine is rare, a careful timeline helps: note when amlodipine was started and when the hair shedding began. If the timing aligns and other causes are unlikely, a medication link could be considered. ^[6]
• If hair loss is suspected to be drug‑related, clinicians may discuss dose adjustment or switching to an alternative blood pressure medication; drug‑induced alopecia typically improves after removing the trigger. ^[5]
• Maintain blood pressure control while evaluating hair loss; never stop a prescribed antihypertensive without medical advice. ^[5]

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Summary table: Alopecia reports with amlodipine

Source (official labeling)	Adverse event listed	Reported frequency
Amlodipine besylate tablet	Alopecia	<0.1% of patients. [1]
Amlodipine besylate tablet (multiple labels)	Alopecia	<0.1% of patients. [2] [3]
Amlodipine + atorvastatin (Caduet)	Alopecia	≤0.1% of patients (listed as very rare). [4]

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Key takeaways

• Amlodipine can be linked to hair loss, but it is reported at a very low frequency (<0.1%). ^{[1] [2]}
• Most medication-related hair loss is reversible after the trigger is removed, and other common causes should be ruled out before attributing hair loss to amlodipine. ^{[5] [6]}
• Discuss any new or worsening hair shedding with your clinician to balance symptom management with safe blood pressure control. ^[5]