Blood pressure medications that can cause hair loss include beta-blockers (like metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol) and ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril, captopril, ramipril), which can disrupt hair follicles, leading to shedding or thinning. These drugs affect blood flow, potentially impacting hair growth cycles, though hair loss isn't common and often resolves if the medication is changed.
5 of the worst blood pressure medications
While hair loss is not a common amlodipine side effect, it has been reported in some cases. The precise mechanism by which amlodipine may cause hair loss is unknown. It is believed, however, to be related to the medication's effects on blood flow and circulation, which may affect hair follicles and their growth cycle.
Most drug-induced hair loss, including that potentially associated with Losartan, is temporary and reversible. The key lies in identifying the cause early and taking proactive measures. Hair growth typically resumes once the body adjusts to the medication or after switching to an alternative treatment.
How soon after starting amlodipine would hair loss appear if it were the cause? If your hair is affected by a new medication, it will likely start falling out a few weeks or months after starting treatment. The exact length of time depends on how long your typical hair growth cycle lasts.
Common side effects
How to reverse hair loss from medication for blood pressure
Blood Pressure Medications That Do Not Cause Hair Loss
These include: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Drugs like losartan, valsartan, and candesartan belong to this class. ARBs are commonly used as an alternative to ACE inhibitors, and hair loss is not a common side effect.
Common side effects
Signs of drug-induced alopecia
The effects of drug-induced alopecia often appear within 3 months of an individual starting on a particular medication. A person who experiences drug-induced alopecia may notice thinning hair. The hair loss may be more apparent on the top of the scalp.
How long to take it for. Usually, treatment with amlodipine is long term, even for the rest of your life. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking amlodipine. Stopping may cause your blood pressure to rise, and this may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Outcome and Management. The severity of liver injury from amlodipine ranges from mild and transient serum enzyme elevations to self-limited jaundice. Complete recovery is expected after stopping the drug and recovery is usually rapid (4 to 8 weeks).
If people are taking medications that are causing hair loss, they can see their doctor about switching to an alternative. Once people stop taking the medication, they may start to see hair growing back within 6 months. In most cases, hair will grow back by itself once a person stops taking the medication.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Both amlodipine and lisinopril are first-choice medications for lowering blood pressure. Amlodipine is often a good choice for older adults and people with salt-sensitive high blood pressure. Lisinopril may be better for people with diabetes, kidney disease, or heart issues.
Abstract. Losartan was the 9th most prescribed drug in the US in 2016, and several other angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely prescribed. Since July 2018, more than two dozen specific ARB products have been recalled owing to the presence of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities in selected lots.
have ever had an allergic reaction to losartan or any other medicine. have diabetes. have heart, liver or kidney problems. recently had a kidney transplant.
People who take losartan should seek medical attention immediately if this type of swelling occurs. Losartan should not cause hair loss and has minimal to no effect on weight management.
If you stop taking losartan, your blood pressure could go up again. If you need medicines to lower your blood pressure, you'll probably need to take them for the rest of your life. Remember, by keeping your blood pressure low, you're protecting yourself against having a heart attack or stroke in the future.
The newer oral contraceptives such as Yasmin, Yaz, Desogen, Mircette, Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo have lower androgenetic effects and are useful in patients concerned about hair loss.
Statin-associated alopecia has been anecdotally reported. While relatively large cohort studies have found no significant association between alopecia and statin use (1), cases of statin-associated alopecia in middle-aged and elderly women have been reported previously (2).
Iron. Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen to your hair follicles so your hair can grow. Iron supplements may be recommended if you have hair loss as well as iron deficiency that is confirmed by laboratory tests.
Key Vitamins for Hair Growth
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.