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

Omeprazole and hair loss: what we know Omeprazole can be associated with hair loss (alopecia), but it appears to be an uncommon side effect. Official U.S. product labeling lists alopecia among post‑marketing skin and appendage reactions for omeprazole, meaning cases have been reported after the drug reached the market. ^[1] This listing also appears across multiple omeprazole labeling entries, reinforcing that hair loss has been observed, though without a defined frequency category. ^{[2] [3]} Because these reports come from spontaneous (post‑marketing) surveillance, an exact rate is not provided, and the true likelihood is thought to be low. In general safety reviews of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), serious adverse effects are considered rare, and hair loss is not highlighted as a common issue. ^[4]

How common is it?

• Frequency classification: Omeprazole labels include “alopecia” among adverse reactions but do not assign a specific frequency (e.g., common, uncommon, rare) due to reliance on voluntary reporting. ^{[1] [5]}
• Context within PPI safety: Broad reviews of PPI safety emphasize that most significant adverse effects are rare, and hair loss is not commonly reported in trials or large observational summaries. ^{[6] [4]}

What type of hair loss is suspected?

Clinical details in official labeling do not specify the hair‑loss pattern. ^[1] In general pharmacology, drug‑related hair shedding most often presents as telogen effluvium (diffuse shedding), which can start weeks to months after a trigger and improves after removal of the trigger, but this mechanism is not confirmed for omeprazole. ^[7]

How to think about causality

• Temporal relationship matters: If shedding began after starting omeprazole and improved after stopping, a medication link becomes more plausible. ^[7]
• Rule out common causes: Illness, stress, thyroid issues, iron deficiency, and other drugs often cause diffuse hair loss and should be considered before attributing it to omeprazole. ^[7]
• Overall risk profile: PPIs are generally considered safe, and reported serious adverse events are uncommon. ^[4]

What to do if you notice hair loss

• Discuss with your clinician before any changes. Many users need acid suppression for clear indications, and changes should be individualized. ^[8]
• Consider alternatives or dose adjustments: If a causal link seems likely, options may include dose reduction, on‑demand use, switching to another PPI or to an H2 blocker, or non‑drug measures for reflux, guided by your clinician. ^[8]
• Allow time for recovery: If drug‑related telogen effluvium is present, hair density often improves within several months after the trigger is removed, though individual responses vary. ^[7]

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Quick reference table

Topic	Key point	Evidence source
Is hair loss listed for omeprazole?	Yes, “alopecia” is listed among adverse reactions in official labeling.	[1] [2] [3] [5]
How common is it?	Not quantified; post‑marketing reports without frequency estimate; appears uncommon.	[1] [5]
Overall PPI safety context	PPIs are generally safe; serious adverse effects are rare in the literature.	[6] [4]
Typical drug‑induced hair loss pattern (general)	Often telogen effluvium; many non‑drug causes exist and should be excluded.	[7]

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Bottom line Omeprazole has documented post‑marketing reports of hair loss (alopecia), but the frequency is not defined and appears uncommon; PPIs overall are considered safe with rare serious adverse effects. ^{[1] [5] [4]} If you suspect a connection, it’s reasonable to review timing, rule out other causes, and discuss dose changes or alternatives with your clinician. ^{[7] [8]}