The Basics
What is Amlodipine?
can treat high blood pressure and chest pain
Brand names for Amlodipine
Norvasc
How Amlodipine is classified
Antihypertensive Agents, Calcium Channel Blockers, Vasodilator Agents
Amlodipine During Pregnancy
Amlodipine pregnancy category
Category Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Amlodipine while pregnant
N/A
Taking Amlodipine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Amlodipine?
Limited information indicates that milk levels of amlodipine are usually low and plasma levels in breastfed infants are undetectable. Maternal use of amlodipine during breastfeeding has not caused any adverse effects in breastfed infants. If amlodipine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that milk levels of amlodipine are usually low and plasma levels in breastfed infants are undetectable. Maternal use of amlodipine during breastfeeding has not caused any adverse effects in breastfed infants. If amlodipine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.
Possible effects of Amlodipine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Amlodipine
Nifedipine, Nitrendipine.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Naito T, Kubono N, Deguchi S et al. Amlodipine passage into breast milk in lactating women with pregnancy-induced hypertension and its estimation of infant risk for breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 2015;31:301-6. PMID: 25447596
2. Morgan JL, Kogutt BK, Meek C et al. Pharmacokinetics of amlodipine besylate at delivery and during lactation. Pregnancy Hypertens. 2018;11:77-80. PMID: 29523279
3. Aoki H, Ito N, Kaniwa N et al. Low levels of amlodipine in breast milk and plasma. Breastfeed Med. 2018;13:622-6. PMID: 30265578
4. Vasa R, Martha Ramirez M. Amlodipine exposure through breastfeeding in a 32 week preterm newborn. Breastfeeding Med. 2013;8 (Suppl 1):S15. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1089/bfm.2013.9982
5. Ahn HK, Nava-Ocampo AA, Han JY et al. Exposure to amlodipine in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Hypertens Pregnancy. 2007;26:179-87. PMID: 17469008
6. Szucs KA, Axline SE, Rosenman MB. Maternal membranous glomerulonephritis and successful exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2010;5:123-6. PMID: 20491564
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
