Is Valsartan Safe in Breastfeeding
Question
I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Valsartan? Is Valsartan safe for nursing mother and child? Does Valsartan extracts into breast milk? Does Valsartan has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Valsartan influence milk supply or can Valsartan decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?
Valsartan lactation summary
- DrLact safety Score for Valsartan is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
- A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Valsartan may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
- Our study of different scientific research indicates that Valsartan may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
- Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Valsartan low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
- While using Valsartan 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 Valsartan 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 Valsartan usage in lactation
Because no information is available on the use of valsartan during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Alternate Drugs
Losartan(Low Risk)
Irbesartan(Unsafe)
Eprosartan(Low Risk)
Valsartan(Low Risk)
Telmisartan(Unsafe)
Trandolapril(Dangerous)
Captopril(Safe)
Propranolol(Safe)
Lisinopril(Low Risk)
Torsemide(Low Risk)
Bumetanide(Low Risk)
Isradipine(Low Risk)
Losartan(Low Risk)
Spironolactone(Safe)
Reserpine(Unsafe)
Bendroflumethiazide(Unsafe)
Nadolol(Unsafe)
Indapamide(Low Risk)
Irbesartan(Unsafe)
Ramipril(Low Risk)
Bosentan(Low Risk)
Benazepril(Safe)
Metoprolol(Safe)
Amlodipine(Low Risk)
Hydrochlorothiazide(Safe)
Nebivolol(Unsafe)
Levobunolol(Low Risk)
Hydralazine(Safe)
Eprosartan(Low Risk)
Labetalol(Safe)
Furosemide(Low Risk)
Nitrendipine(Safe)
Fosinopril(Low Risk)
Doxazosin(Safe)
Nisoldipine(Low Risk)
Carvedilol(Low Risk)
Felodipine(Low Risk)
Nimodipine(Safe)
Valsartan(Low Risk)
Bisoprolol(Low Risk)
Nifedipine(Safe)
Terazosin(Unsafe)
Enalapril(Safe)
Guanfacine(Low Risk)
Atenolol(Unsafe)
Diltiazem(Safe)
Minoxidil(Safe)
Telmisartan(Unsafe)
Acebutolol(Unsafe)
Nicardipine(Safe)
Prazosin(Unsafe)
Verapamil(Safe)
Chlorthalidone(Dangerous)
Timolol(Safe)
Methyldopa(Safe)
Chlorothiazide(Safe)
Sotalol(Low Risk)