Does Chlorthalidone Cause Hair Loss? What You Need to Know

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to reported adverse event data, hair loss is a possible, though uncommon, side effect associated with the diuretic medication chlorthalidone. While clinical studies have not always noted it, anecdotal reports and some product information mention hair loss or thinning as a potential concern while managing conditions like high blood pressure.

Quick Summary

Chlorthalidone can potentially cause hair loss, often linked to temporary shedding known as telogen effluvium, which might be triggered by electrolyte imbalances or nutrient deficiencies from diuretic use. It is usually reversible upon stopping the medication under a doctor’s supervision.

Key Points

Hair Loss is a Possible Side Effect: Hair loss, often experienced as thinning, is a reported but uncommon side effect of chlorthalidone.
Electrolyte Imbalance is a Potential Cause: As a diuretic, chlorthalidone can cause low levels of potassium and magnesium, which are vital for healthy hair follicles.
Telogen Effluvium is the Likely Type: The hair loss associated with diuretics is typically temporary shedding (telogen effluvium) that appears 2 to 4 months after starting the medication.
Medical Consultation is Essential: If you experience hair loss, speak with your doctor before making any changes to your medication, especially for a serious condition like high blood pressure.
Hair Loss is Often Reversible: The hair thinning caused by medication is often reversible, with regrowth usually starting several months after stopping the drug.
Other Factors Can Contribute: Remember that genetics, stress, and other medical conditions or medications can also cause hair loss, so a proper diagnosis is necessary.

What is Chlorthalidone?

Chlorthalidone is a type of medication known as a diuretic, or 'water pill,' primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema) caused by conditions such as congestive heart failure. It works by helping the kidneys remove excess water and salt from the body, which helps lower blood pressure. The medication is classified as a thiazide-like diuretic and is taken orally. For many people, it is a safe and effective part of their treatment plan, but like any medication, it comes with a range of possible side effects. While many side effects are relatively common, such as increased urination or headaches, others are less frequent and may be more concerning for patients.

The Connection Between Chlorthalidone and Hair Loss

The link between chlorthalidone and hair loss is a topic of concern for some patients, although it is not a universally experienced side effect. Several sources, including MedlinePlus and BuzzRx, list hair loss as a possible side effect of the drug, alongside other common issues like dizziness and stomach upset.

Potential Mechanisms of Drug-Induced Hair Loss

Drug-induced hair loss, or alopecia, often manifests as telogen effluvium, a temporary condition where hair follicles are prematurely pushed into the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. This can result in increased shedding and noticeable hair thinning, which typically occurs a few months after starting the medication. Several factors might contribute to this process when taking a diuretic like chlorthalidone:

Electrolyte Imbalances: As a diuretic, chlorthalidone can cause imbalances in electrolytes, such as a decrease in potassium (hypokalemia) and magnesium. These minerals are vital for proper cellular function throughout the body, including the hair follicles. Deficiencies can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to thinning and shedding.
Nutrient Depletion: Long-term use of diuretics can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients required for healthy hair growth, such as iron, zinc, and other minerals.
Systemic Stress: High blood pressure itself can contribute to stress, but the body's adjustment to a new medication, especially one that alters fluid balance, can also be a form of physiological stress. This can trigger telogen effluvium.

Distinguishing Drug-Induced Hair Loss from Other Causes

When experiencing hair loss while taking chlorthalidone, it is important to remember that the medication may not be the sole cause. A doctor will need to evaluate all potential factors, as other conditions can also cause hair thinning.

Common causes of hair loss include:

Genetics: Hereditary hair loss, such as male or female pattern baldness, is a very common cause.
Stress and Trauma: Significant physical or emotional stress can trigger temporary shedding.
Other Medications: Many other drugs, including some blood pressure medications like beta-blockers, can also cause hair loss.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, and autoimmune diseases can contribute to hair loss.

Steps to Manage Hair Loss While Taking Chlorthalidone

If you believe your hair loss is linked to your chlorthalidone medication, several steps can be taken under medical supervision to address the issue:

Consult a Physician: The first and most critical step is to speak with your doctor. Never stop taking your prescribed medication on your own, especially for a condition like high blood pressure, as this can pose serious health risks. Your doctor can determine the most likely cause of your hair loss and evaluate if the medication is a contributing factor.
Evaluate Alternatives: Your healthcare provider may recommend switching to an alternative blood pressure medication that is less likely to cause hair loss. Some medications, like minoxidil and spironolactone, can even stimulate hair growth.
Monitor Electrolytes and Nutrients: As chlorthalidone can cause electrolyte imbalances, your doctor may order blood tests to check potassium, magnesium, and other mineral levels. They may suggest dietary changes, such as incorporating potassium-rich foods, or prescribing supplements.
Manage Side Effects with Diet: Taking chlorthalidone with food can help mitigate gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet is crucial for overall health and can help support hair growth.
Be Patient: In cases of drug-induced hair loss like telogen effluvium, hair growth often resumes once the trigger is removed. It may take several months after adjusting or stopping the medication to see significant regrowth.

Comparing Diuretics and Hair Loss Risk

Here is a comparison of two common diuretics and their association with hair loss:


Feature	Chlorthalidone	Spironolactone
Drug Class	Thiazide-like Diuretic	Potassium-Sparing Diuretic
Effect on Hair	Possible side effect of hair loss and thinning, often temporary	Can block androgens, sometimes used to treat hair loss, particularly female pattern baldness
Mechanism for Hair Effects	May cause hair shedding (telogen effluvium) by inducing nutrient or electrolyte imbalances	Blocks androgen receptors, which can prevent hormonal hair loss
Common Side Effects	Dizziness, headache, nausea, constipation, hypokalemia	Dizziness, headache, stomach upset, and hormonal side effects

Conclusion

While not a universally reported side effect, it is possible for chlorthalidone to cause hair loss or thinning in some individuals, often through a temporary shedding condition called telogen effluvium. The mechanism is believed to involve electrolyte imbalances and nutrient depletion that can disrupt the hair growth cycle. If you notice hair loss while on this medication, the most important step is to consult your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause, manage any underlying deficiencies, and explore alternative treatment options if necessary. Fortunately, medication-induced hair loss is typically reversible once the contributing factor is addressed.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For specific guidance, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, hair loss from chlorthalidone is typically temporary and often ceases once the medication is stopped or adjusted. The hair loss is usually related to a condition called telogen effluvium, which is reversible.

The mechanism is not fully understood, but it is often attributed to electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium and magnesium, or general nutrient depletion caused by the diuretic effect. These imbalances can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.

You should consult your prescribing doctor to discuss your concerns. Do not stop the medication on your own, as it is used to treat serious health conditions like high blood pressure. Your doctor can evaluate the cause and recommend a treatment plan.

In some cases, switching to an alternative medication may be an option if your doctor determines that chlorthalidone is the cause of your hair loss. Some diuretics, like spironolactone, have even been used to treat certain types of hair loss, while others may pose a similar risk.

If your hair loss is caused by telogen effluvium from the medication, hair regrowth can begin within about 6 to 9 months after discontinuing the drug.

Yes, common side effects include dizziness, headache, increased urination, gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, constipation), and electrolyte changes. Less common but more serious side effects can also occur.

Yes. Diuretics can deplete certain nutrients and electrolytes. If your diet is already deficient in key vitamins and minerals necessary for hair growth, the effect may be compounded. A healthy, balanced diet is important to support overall health and hair growth.