Can valsartan cause hair loss?

Question

I've been taking Valsartan for my blood pressure for about six months now. Lately, I've noticed my hair thinning quite a bit, and I'm getting worried. Is it possible for Valsartan, the blood pressure medicine, to cause hair loss as a side effect?

Amit Shah · Accepted Answer

Yes, hair thinning is a known rare side effect of many blood pressure meds, including valsartan. Don't stop taking it on your own though, as that can cause sudden BP spikes. Just drop an email or take a quick 10-minute consult with your cardiologist to switch to an alternative.

Rajesh Kumar · Answer

It can happen, but before you spend thousands on expensive hair fall serums and dermatologists, get a basic blood test done first. Sometimes it is just a vitamin D or iron deficiency which is much cheaper to treat. Discuss with your government hospital or local clinic doc about changing the BP tablet to a cheaper generic option that doesn't cause hair loss.

Preeti Sen · Answer

Yes, it actually can. My mother faced severe hair thinning when she was on it, and it only stopped after her doctor changed the medicine.

Nisha Patil · Answer

I also started taking a BP medicine recently and my hair has started falling out in clumps. Is valsartan very different from other BP drugs, or do all of them cause this? Please let me know if switching really helped any of you.

Meena Kumari · Answer

I understand how disheartening it is to see hair fall. While you talk to your doctor about switching the medicine, you can try gently massaging lukewarm coconut oil mixed with a little amla juice on your scalp. It won't cure the drug side effect completely, but it will definitely keep your scalp healthy in the meantime.

Can valsartan cause hair loss?

5 answers

Consult a dermatologist

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