What is the safest blood pressure medication while breastfeeding?

Understanding Blood Pressure Medications During Breastfeeding
For new mothers managing high blood pressure while breastfeeding, the choice of medication is crucial. The safety of both the mother and the infant is paramount, and certain medications have been identified as safer options during this sensitive period.
Recommended Medications
Labetalol is often considered one of the safest blood pressure medications for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that the levels of labetalol in breast milk are low, meaning that the amount ingested by the infant is minimal and unlikely to cause adverse effects in full-term breastfed infants. Most healthcare providers do not recommend any special precautions for infants when their mothers are taking labetalol.
Another medication that has shown promise is amlodipine. Similar to labetalol, studies suggest that amlodipine levels in breast milk are typically low, with plasma levels in breastfed infants being undetectable. Maternal use of amlodipine has not been associated with adverse effects in breastfed infants, making it a viable option for mothers needing treatment for hypertension.
Considerations for Other Medications
While labetalol and amlodipine are generally regarded as safe, other medications may not be as well-studied or could pose risks. For instance, some antihypertensive medications may have higher concentrations in breast milk or could potentially affect the infant. Therefore, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks of any medication.
The Importance of Monitoring
Mothers with high blood pressure should be closely monitored, especially in the postpartum period, as conditions like postpartum preeclampsia can arise. This condition can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, underscoring the need for effective management of blood pressure.
Conclusion
In summary, labetalol and amlodipine are among the safest blood pressure medications for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal risk to infants. However, it is crucial for mothers to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to ensure that their treatment plans are safe and effective, allowing them to care for their newborns while managing their health.

Can a breastfeeding mother take lisinopril?

Lisinopril and breastfeeding
It is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. However, there is a very small risk that it could also lower your baby’s blood pressure. Your doctor might recommend a different medicine for you to take while breastfeeding.

Does drinking water lower blood pressure?

While it is important to maintain ample hydration to prevent transient increases in blood pressure, drinking water is not a treatment for hypertension. In fact, drinking too much water may cause your blood pressure to increase.

Can you take blood pressure medication while breastfeeding?

Most antihypertensive medications do not cause significant problems in breastfed babies. Women may take beta-blockers during breastfeeding, but the baby should be checked regularly for possible side effects, such as a slow heart rate and low blood pressure. and do not harm breastfed babies but may make them irritable.

What brings down blood pressure naturally?

Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

1. Balance nutrients. Go for less sodium (under 1,500 mg per day) and more potassium.
2. Put probiotics on your side. Eating food that contains probiotics—consumable live bacteria—has been linked to healthier blood pressure.
3. Lose even a little weight.
4. Move more.
5. Relieve stress.

What is the best blood pressure medication for breastfeeding mothers?

Later blood pressure rises can be treated with enalapril, amlodipine and felodipine which are all compatible with breastfeeding according to expert sources. The NICE Guidelines NG 133 (2019) can also guide good practice.

How can I control my high blood pressure while breastfeeding?

Increasing exercise and reducing sodium are two key factors in getting blood pressure to a healthier level. In general, blood pressure medication is safe to take if you are breastfeeding. Research suggests that the common hypertension drug labetalol is safe to take while lactating.

Can blood pressure meds dry up breast milk?

Diuretics in high doses can decrease the milk supply. Among the ACE inhibitors, lisinopril is considered much safer than benazepril and captopril. Labetolol, a beta blocker often used for high blood pressure during pregnancy, is safer to continue postpartum for a breastfeeding mother than atenolol.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

Can high blood pressure affect the baby while breastfeeding?

Will high blood pressure affect my baby? Having preeclampsia and breastfeeding shouldn’t affect your baby. While preeclampsia during pregnancy can cause health complications for your baby, including fetal growth restriction and preterm birth, postpartum preeclampsia doesn’t affect your baby.

How much will 10 mg of lisinopril lower blood pressure?

Research indicates that lisinopril 10 mg once daily may decrease your systolic blood pressure by about 8 points. While higher doses of lisinopril decrease blood pressure more than lower doses, it doesn’t mean that higher doses are the best option for you.