If you have been taking Amlodipine for a while now, you might have come across a few signs and symptoms that you did not notice otherwise.
You see, High blood pressure is a common condition in today’s time. It is a serious health problem that can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys if left untreated. Doctors these days widely prescribe Amlodipine to treat High BP. Unfortunately, this comes with some complications like hair fall, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
Researchers believe that hair loss could be among many markers of an increased risk of hypertension. Studies also suggest that hair loss may indicate an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Now, are these side effects easily gone? Or do you have to do something to make Amlodipine hair loss go away? Or at least reduce its severity? In this 5-minute read, you will find the answers to your question. So why wait? Let’s give it a read!
Table of Content
Why Do We Take Amlodipine?
Generally, we take Amlodipine to treat high blood pressure in adults or children aged over six years. It can also be used to treat certain types of angina (chest pain) and coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart).
Mechanism of Action:
Amlodipine falls under a class of medications called calcium channel blockers.
It prevents calcium from entering the cells hence the heart can not contract as strongly. Subsequently, it lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. Moreover, it controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart.
If taken regularly, amlodipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts.
What Are the Downsides of Amlodipine?
Like any drug, Amlodipine can cause some side effects. The most common side effects of taking Amlodipine are:
- Edema (swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs)
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Drowsiness
- Excessive tiredness
It’s important to know that you should not stop or change a prescribed medication just because it has side effects. Your doctor has carefully chosen your medication based on your needs considering the benefits and the drawbacks.
Amlodipine Hair Loss: Why Is Hair Fall One of the Side Effects?
Calcium is an important mineral for hair growth and can be found in low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk and yogurt. In patients with hyperparathyroidism, patchy hair loss may be attributed to low calcium levels.
Researchers believe that hair loss could be among many markers of an increased risk of hypertension. Studies also suggest that hair loss may indicate an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
According to Mayo Clinic, hair fall is a rather uncommon side effect of this medication but one might suffer from it for environmental or genetic factors as well.
How Can You Combat These Effects of Hair Fall?
Hairfall can be difficult to manage as it can be caused by a number of different factors. But one of the most common causes is nutrient deficiency.
Deficiencies of certain important vitamins and minerals may cause your hair to get weaker and fall over time. One of these nutrients important for hair health is Biotin.
Biotin (Vitamin B7):
The best vitamin for hair growth is Biotin, which is a part of the vitamin B family. It has been seen that Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss. Hence incorporating Biotin-rich foods (Egg yolks, Legumes) into the diet can be of help in combating these effects.
What Could Be the Alternatives for Amlodipine?
The best alternative to medication is always to prevent the disease in the first place. This is especially true for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
High blood pressure depends a lot on diet and lifestyle choices. Taking a proper and nutritious diet as well as making healthy choices like exercising and avoiding smoking or alcohol can play a huge role in preventing high blood pressure.
Amlodipine is also not recommended in patients with cardiogenic shock, severe aortic stenosis, unstable angina, severe hypotension, heart failure, and hepatic impairment.
Here are some dietary ingredients that can help fight high blood pressure:
1. Magnesium:
Magnesium is a mineral that’s critical for many bodily functions, including blood pressure regulation.
2. Vitamin D:
Research shows that people with high blood pressure tend to have lower levels of vitamin D than those without this condition.
3. Potassium:
Potassium may be the best-known nutritional supplement for blood pressure regulation. Studies suggest that increasing your intake through food or supplements helps reduce high blood pressure levels.
4. Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that your body needs for many important processes. Although study results are mixed, recent research suggests that vitamin C supplements may help lower blood pressure.
Talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or taking over-the-counter meds. There is always the possibility of these interacting negatively with your prescribed medications like Amlodipine.
Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. So, it will be wise if you consult your doctor before taking anything along with it.
Contraindications of Amlodipine
Amlodipine is usually contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Amlodipine. Usually, this is very rare and an alternative drug is advised.
Amlodipine is also not recommended in patients with cardiogenic shock, severe aortic stenosis, unstable angina, severe hypotension, heart failure, and hepatic impairment.
Do You Need to Consult Your Doctor?
Amlodipine is only part of a treatment plan. It is not the only medication. Thus, factors like diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications will potentiate its actions greatly.
For that, you have to follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. If need be, you might seek professional help as well.
If after the medication you suffer from chest pain, consult with your doctor. Your doctor must know about your daily medication (if you have any) before prescribing Amlodipine. If your chest pain is severe or ongoing, seek immediate medical attention.
Few Things to Keep In Mind if You Are Taking This Drug
- You can take it with or without food.
- Be careful when going from sitting to standing as, during this transition, the blood pressure may drop.
- Report to your doctor immediately if any signs of dizziness, tiredness, flushing, nausea, indigestion, shortness of breath, excessive weight gain, muscle rigidity or tremors, or edema arise.
- It is preferable to slowly decrease the dosage of Amlodipine rather than stop taking it abruptly.
- It is wise not to let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
- You should have all your medications documented, preferably written, somewhere along with any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements you are taking. You should show this to your doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital.
FAQs
What are the worst side effects of amlodipine?
Low blood pressure, More chest pain, or a heart attack.
Why is Amlodipine being recalled?
Citing defective bottles that may not seal appropriately and protect from moisture, Pfizer Inc. is recalling two lots of Caduet (amlodipine besylate/atorvastatin calcium) tablets.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of amlodipine?
Stopping suddenly may cause your chest pain or high blood pressure to come back or get worse. Check with your doctor for the best way to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Conclusion
Heart diseases are quite serious and it is essential to manage them properly. This includes making sure that your medication is working without causing any problems. Keeping everything in mind, you need to check up on your health regularly if you are on this medication.
Hopefully, this article has answered your questions about Amlodipine hair loss and also pointed you in the direction of managing hair fall and blood pressure. Amlodipine is not the cure for high blood pressure, nor is it the only cause of hair loss. So if you are wondering about sticking with Amlodipine, rest assured that it is doing more good than harm.
