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It’s not clear whether amlodipine is 100% safe in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. It’s also not known whether amlodipine is excreted significantly via the breast milk. So, while not outright contraindicated during breastfeeding or pregnancy, amlodipine should be used with caution in pregnant or lactating individuals and only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Ask your doctor before taking any medications while pregnant or during lactation.

FAQ

Is Amlodipine Safe During Pregnancy?

It’s not known whether taking amlodipine while pregnant or breastfeeding is 100% safe. The medication may harm the fetus, but there’s not enough data from research studies to know for sure. For this reason, amlodipine should only be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding with great caution and only if the benefits outweigh the risks. 

What is the Safest Blood Pressure Medication During Pregnancy?

Some of the more well-studied blood pressure medications that are considered safe during pregnancy include:

  • Methyldopa
  • Labetalol
  • Nifedipine (Procardia XL, Adalat CC, Afeditab CR)

If someone has high blood pressure and is pregnant or trying to become pregnant, they should talk with their doctor about which medication is best for them.

Pregnant individuals are not advised to take certain blood pressure medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), renin inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.

Does Amlodipine Affect Fertility?

It’s not proven that amlodipine negatively affects fertility for either cisgender men or women. Calcium channel blockers and other antihypertensive medications may reduce male fertility and temporarily affect sperm activity, though, particularly in men who are trying to have a child via in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Amlodipine and Lactation

It’s not clear if amlodipine can cross into breast milk, but it may harm the baby if it does. For this reason, parents who are lactating or breastfeeding should talk to their doctors about whether amlodipine is right for them. 

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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