Question

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

Losartan Potassium lactation summary

Losartan Potassium usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Losartan Potassium is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Losartan Potassium may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Losartan Potassium may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Losartan Potassium low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Losartan Potassium 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 Losartan Potassium usage in lactation

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found. A high protein-binding capacity makes excretion into breast milk unlikely. In addition, a low oral bioavailability makes difficult the absorption towards the infant's plasma from ingested milk, except in prematures or newborns who may show an increased absorption. Case report of kidney function impairment of a baby whose mother had taken Telmisartan in pregnancy. Until more data on this medication is available, safer alternative drugs are preferred, especially in premature babies or during the neonatal period. Should an ARA-II medication (Sartan type) be necessary, the associated risk may be decreased by choosing the one with a favorable pharmacokinetics (shorter half-life elimination time and lower bioavailability) like Eprosartan and Losartan

Answer by DrLact: About Losartan Potassium usage in lactation

Because no information is available on the use of losartan during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Alternate Drugs for Anti-hypertensive Angiotensin II receptor antagonists. ATC C09C

Eprosartan(Low Risk)
Irbesartan(Unsafe)
Losartan(Low Risk)
Telmisartan(Unsafe)
Valsartan(Low Risk)
Aliskiren(Low Risk)
CS-866(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.