Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Amlodipine? Is Amlodipine safe for nursing mother and child? Does Amlodipine extracts into breast milk? Does Amlodipine has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Amlodipine influence milk supply or can Amlodipine decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Amlodipine lactation summary

Amlodipine usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Amlodipine is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Amlodipine may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Amlodipine may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Amlodipine low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Amlodipine We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Amlodipine usage in lactation

It is excreted into breast milk in small amount (less than 10% of relative dose) without problems observed in infants whose mothers were on treatment with this drug. (Naito 2015, Ahn 2007)When measured, the plasma levels of drug in these infants were undetectable (Vasa 2013). Because its drug elimination period is very prolonged, an alternative drug known to be safer should be used, especially during the neonatal period and in case of premature infant.

Answer by DrLact: About Amlodipine usage in lactation

Limited information indicates that milk levels of amlodipine are usually low and plasma levels in breastfed infants are undetectable. Maternal use of amlodipine during breastfeeding has not caused any adverse effects in breastfed infants. If amlodipine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

Amlodipine Side Effects in Breastfeeding

A woman took amlodipine for hypertension 5 mg daily beginning 2 weeks postpartum. Her exclusively breastfed infant was examined regularly and at 3 months of age was healthy and had normal physical and neurological development.[5] One woman received amlodipine 2.5 mg orally twice daily during pregnancy for hypertension associated with glomerulonephritis. The dose was increased to 5 mg twice daily on day 2 postpartum. Her exclusively breastfed infant's growth was normal throughout the first year of life and no adverse effects were noted.[6] A preterm infant of 32 weeks gestation was breastfed exclusively from day 7 to day 20 postpartum. The infant's mother was taking amlodipine and labetalol in unspecified dosages for hypertension. The infant had apnea episodes unrelated to amlodipine. Growth at 2 months of age was slightly low.[4] Thirty-one women with pregnancy-induced hypertension postpartum received amlodipine 5 mg daily by mouth, with the dosage increased as needed to maintain blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or less. Their breastfed (extent not stated) infants exhibited no observed adverse cardiovascular effects within 3 weeks postpartum, although exact measurement methods were not stated.[1]

Alternate Drugs

Losartan(Low Risk)
Captopril(Safe)
Trandolapril(Dangerous)
Nadolol(Unsafe)
Irbesartan(Unsafe)
Bumetanide(Low Risk)
Torsemide(Low Risk)
Reserpine(Unsafe)
Furosemide(Low Risk)
Levobunolol(Low Risk)
Doxazosin(Safe)
Eprosartan(Low Risk)
Ramipril(Low Risk)
Fosinopril(Low Risk)
Labetalol(Safe)
Bosentan(Low Risk)
Minoxidil(Safe)
Guanfacine(Low Risk)
Amlodipine(Low Risk)
Felodipine(Low Risk)
Carvedilol(Low Risk)
Bisoprolol(Low Risk)
Nebivolol(Unsafe)
Enalapril(Safe)
Lisinopril(Low Risk)
Atenolol(Unsafe)
Valsartan(Low Risk)
Acebutolol(Unsafe)
Timolol(Safe)
Terazosin(Unsafe)
Diltiazem(Safe)
Isradipine(Low Risk)
Sotalol(Low Risk)
Nisoldipine(Low Risk)
Telmisartan(Unsafe)
Indapamide(Low Risk)
Prazosin(Unsafe)
Chlorthalidone(Dangerous)
Verapamil(Safe)
Amlodipine(Low Risk)
Felodipine(Low Risk)
Diltiazem(Safe)
Isradipine(Low Risk)
Nisoldipine(Low Risk)
Verapamil(Safe)
Cinnarizine(Low Risk)
Minoxidil(Safe)
Amlodipine(Low Risk)
Felodipine(Low Risk)
Nebivolol(Unsafe)
Diltiazem(Safe)
Isradipine(Low Risk)
Nisoldipine(Low Risk)
Verapamil(Safe)
Cinnarizine(Low Risk)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.