Question

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

Carvedilol lactation summary

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

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk. Its high percentage of plasma protein binding makes excretion in significant amounts very unlikely (Riant 1986). Other adrenergic beta-blockers of the same family and similar chemical structure are compatible with breastfeeding (see specific information for Labetalol or Propranolol). Until there is more published data on this drug in relation to breastfeeding, safer known alternatives may be preferable, especially during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity.

Answer by DrLact: About Carvedilol usage in lactation

Based on its physicochemical properties, carvedilol appears to present a low-risk to the breastfed infant. Because there is no published experience with carvedilol during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Carvedilol Side Effects in Breastfeeding

A study of mothers taking beta-blockers during nursing found a numerically, but not statistically significant increased number of adverse reactions in those taking any beta-blocker. Although the ages of infants were matched to control infants, the ages of the affected infants were not stated. None of the mothers were taking carvedilol.[2]

Carvedilol Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Relevant published information on the effects of beta-blockade or carvedilol during normal lactation was not found as of the revision date. A study in 6 patients with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea found no changes in serum prolactin levels following beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol.[3]

Alternate Drugs

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