Based on NIH | Is a skin rash a known side effect of amlodipine, and what should I do if I develop one?

Skin rash can occur with amlodipine, although it appears to be uncommon. Product information lists rashes (including erythematous and maculopapular types) as reported side effects, generally occurring in fewer than 1% of patients in placebo‑controlled trials and about 1–2% in multiple‑dose studies. ^{[1] [2]} Rarely, more serious allergic skin reactions like angioedema, erythema multiforme, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported. ^[3] There are also case reports describing amlodipine‑related rashes ranging from localized maculopapular eruptions to severe widespread blistering reactions. ^{[4] [5]}

How common and what it looks like

• Typical rashes reported with amlodipine include itching (pruritus), simple “rash,” erythematous rash (red), and maculopapular rash (small red bumps/flat spots). ^{[1] [2]}
• Most reported rashes are mild, but rare severe reactions (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been documented. ^{[6] [3]}
• Individual case reports note petechial (spot-like) rashes and severe blistering with eye involvement in rare instances. ^{[4] [5]}

What to do if you develop a rash

• If your rash is mild (limited area, no blisters, no mouth/eye involvement, no fever), contact your prescribing clinician promptly to discuss next steps before making changes yourself.
• If you have warning signs such as facial or tongue swelling, trouble breathing, widespread hives, blisters or skin peeling, sores in the mouth/eyes, fever, or if you feel very unwell seek emergency care immediately, as these can indicate a severe drug reaction. ^[3]

Likely next steps your clinician may consider

• Clinical assessment will look for timing (often appearing days to weeks after starting or increasing the dose), appearance, and any systemic symptoms to judge the likelihood the drug is the cause.
• For mild suspected drug rashes, clinicians often recommend stopping the suspected medication and using symptomatic treatment like oral antihistamines and/or topical corticosteroids, with monitoring for improvement.
• If amlodipine is suspected, your clinician may switch you to another blood pressure class (for example, an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or a different calcium channel blocker), guided by your history and risk factors. ^{[4] [6]}
• For severe reactions (blistering, mucosal involvement, systemic symptoms), immediate discontinuation and urgent hospital evaluation are standard, as these conditions can be life‑threatening. ^{[5] [3]}

Preventing problems and documenting allergies

• Do not restart amlodipine after a serious allergic reaction, and make sure the reaction is documented as a drug allergy in your medical record. ^[3]
• Before starting any new medication while recovering from a drug rash, review with your clinician or pharmacist to reduce the risk of cross‑reactions and to choose safe alternatives.

Quick reference table

Topic	Key points
Is rash a known side effect?	Yes; pruritus, erythematous and maculopapular rashes are reported, generally uncommon (<1% in placebo trials; ~1–2% in multi‑dose studies). [1] [2]
Severe reactions	Rare but reported: angioedema, erythema multiforme, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis. [3]
Typical timing & look	Days to weeks after start/dose change; red, bumpy or flat spots; may itch; rare petechiae or blistering. [1] [4] [5]
What to do mild	Call your clinician; consider stopping medication if advised; use antihistamines/topical steroids for symptoms; monitor.
What to do severe	Stop the drug and seek emergency care immediately (blisters, mucosal sores, facial swelling, breathing issues, fever). [3] [5]
Future management	Record as allergy if confirmed; consider alternative blood pressure medicines. [4] [6]

Bottom line

A skin rash from amlodipine is possible and usually mild, but serious allergic skin reactions though rare can occur. ^{[1] [2]} If you notice a new rash after starting amlodipine, reach out to your clinician promptly, and seek emergency care if there are severe features like blisters, mouth/eye sores, swelling, trouble breathing, or fever. ^{[3] [5]}