Question

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

Verapamil lactation summary

Verapamil is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Verapamil is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Verapamil is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Verapamil does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Verapamil safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher 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 Verapamil usage in lactation

It is excreted in breast milk in clinically non-significant amount and no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were receiving this treatment.Plasma levels in these infants were undetectable or very low. Verapamil may induce to an increase of plasma Prolactin levels. American Academy of Pediatrics: usually compatible with breastfeeding medication.WHO List of Essential Medicines 2002: compatible with breastfeeding.

Answer by DrLact: About Verapamil usage in lactation

Limited information indicates that maternal doses of verapamil up to 360 mg daily produce low levels in milk and newborns may have detectable verapamil serum levels, but levels are low. Verapamil would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.

Verapamil Side Effects in Breastfeeding

No adverse reactions have been reported among 3 infants aged 13 days, 8 weeks and 3 months who were exposed to verapamil in breastmilk.[2][3][4]

Verapamil Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Verapamil can cause hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea.[5][6] The clinical relevance of these findings in nursing mothers is not known. The maternal prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Alternate Drugs

Propafenone(Low Risk)
Acebutolol(Unsafe)
Nadolol(Unsafe)
Verapamil(Safe)
Lidocaine(Safe)
Levobunolol(Low Risk)
Timolol(Safe)
Labetalol(Safe)
Sotalol(Low Risk)
Amiodarone(Unsafe)
Diltiazem(Safe)
Bisoprolol(Low Risk)
Digoxin(Safe)
Quinidine(Safe)
Atenolol(Unsafe)
Atenolol(Unsafe)
Guanfacine(Low Risk)
Furosemide(Low Risk)
Captopril(Safe)
Fosinopril(Low Risk)
Acebutolol(Unsafe)
Nebivolol(Unsafe)
Minoxidil(Safe)
Nadolol(Unsafe)
Bumetanide(Low Risk)
Valsartan(Low Risk)
Terazosin(Unsafe)
Felodipine(Low Risk)
Telmisartan(Unsafe)
Verapamil(Safe)
Prazosin(Unsafe)
Lisinopril(Low Risk)
Levobunolol(Low Risk)
Enalapril(Safe)
Timolol(Safe)
Trandolapril(Dangerous)
Losartan(Low Risk)
Labetalol(Safe)
Amlodipine(Low Risk)
Nisoldipine(Low Risk)
Torsemide(Low Risk)
Irbesartan(Unsafe)
Isradipine(Low Risk)
Sotalol(Low Risk)
Indapamide(Low Risk)
Carvedilol(Low Risk)
Diltiazem(Safe)
Reserpine(Unsafe)
Bisoprolol(Low Risk)
Ramipril(Low Risk)
Eprosartan(Low Risk)
Bosentan(Low Risk)
Doxazosin(Safe)
Chlorthalidone(Dangerous)
Felodipine(Low Risk)
Verapamil(Safe)
Amlodipine(Low Risk)
Cinnarizine(Low Risk)
Nisoldipine(Low Risk)
Isradipine(Low Risk)
Diltiazem(Safe)
Nebivolol(Unsafe)
Minoxidil(Safe)
Verapamil(Safe)
Felodipine(Low Risk)
Amlodipine(Low Risk)
Cinnarizine(Low Risk)
Nisoldipine(Low Risk)
Isradipine(Low Risk)
Diltiazem(Safe)
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.