{"id":630588,"date":"2024-12-05T09:30:49","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T14:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630588"},"modified":"2024-11-25T12:50:55","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T17:50:55","slug":"lisinopril-nursing-considerations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lisinopril-nursing-considerations\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to breastfeed while taking lisinopril?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lisinopril<\/span><\/a> is an oral antihypertensive medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure\u2014and to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril can also be used to treat chronic <\/span>kidney disease<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>prevent migraines<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisinopril belongs to a class of medications known as <\/span>angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)<\/span><\/a>. ACE inhibitors help to relax blood vessels (vasodilation), improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure. Specifically, lisinopril works by blocking the action of the ACE enzyme, which converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This is referred to as its mechanism of action.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a new parent, you may be wondering if lisinopril is safe to take while breastfeeding. The answer is, unfortunately, not straightforward. The safety of taking lisinopril while breastfeeding is currently unknown, although it is generally thought to be safe. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits of the medication for your situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take lisinopril while nursing?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are currently no studies on the safety of lisinopril while nursing. That does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe to take, but it does mean that there is no data proving it is risk-free.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisinopril is sold under the brand names Zestril, Qbrelis, and Prinivil. It is also available as a combination medication with hydrochlorothiazide (a <\/span>diuretic<\/span><\/a>) called <\/span>Zestoretic<\/span><\/a>. \u201cBecause no information is available on the use of lisinopril during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while making milk for a newborn, a preterm infant, or a medically fragile infant,\u201c <\/span>Sunayana Webe<\/span><\/a>r, IBCLC, a lactation consultant at It\u2019s More than Milk in Austin, Texas, says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some healthcare providers may prescribe lisinopril to breastfeeding women. Others may prefer to prescribe an alternative <\/span>ACE inhibitor<\/span><\/a>, such as <\/span>enalapril<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>captopril<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>quinapril<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Enalapril<\/span><\/a> is usually the preferred drug because there are studies on how it affects breastfeeding infants. <\/span>One study <\/span><\/a>found that the amount of enalapril that an exclusively breastfed infant would ingest would be about<\/span> 0.16% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. Enalapril does not have adverse effects on milk supply.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s likely best to try this ACE inhibitor over lisinopril: \u201cIf a parent needs to be on an ACE inhibitor while breastfeeding, I would stick with one that has been studied and is deemed safe during lactation, such as enalapril or captopril,\u201d says <\/span>Jessica Madden, MD<\/span><\/a>, IBCLC, a b<\/span>oard-certified pediatrician and neonatologist, and medical director of <\/span>Aeroflow Breastpumps<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> \u201cResearch has shown that only small amounts of these medications pass into mothers\u2019 milk, and in the limited studies available, there have been no documented adverse effects of captopril or enalapril on breastfed infants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Your healthcare provider can help you assess the <\/span>risks and benefits<\/span><\/a> of taking lisinopril for your situation. One of the main factors to consider is your baby\u2019s age. Lisinopril could cause kidney dysfunction in newborns or contribute to impaired renal function in premature infants. \u201cBy the time an infant is 2 months or older, the risk of side effects from ACE inhibitors is much lower, so in most cases, it is probably safe for a mother to take one during lactation,\u201d says Dr. Madden.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you\u2019re breastfeeding, make sure to tell all of your healthcare providers\u2014whether it\u2019s your primary care provider or dentist. That way, your provider can check that any medication used is safe for breastfeeding infants\u2014and let you know if it will affect your milk supply.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long should I wait to breastfeed after taking lisinopril?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The peak<\/span> concentration of lisinopril<\/span><\/a> in the body is 6-8 hours after taking it orally. Lisinopril will clear the body within about 72 hours of taking it. However, there are many unknowns:<\/span><\/p>\n