Pregnancy And Amlodipine: Weighing The Risks And Benefits

Amlodipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for this condition and is also used to treat other conditions such as angina and coronary artery disease. While amlodipine can be used in pregnancy, there is limited information about its safety during this time. Animal studies have shown some adverse effects, but human data is lacking. It is important for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant to discuss the risks and benefits of taking amlodipine with their doctor.

Amlodipine is not thought to be harmful to the baby but there is limited information on its safety

Amlodipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for this condition and is also used to treat other conditions such as angina and coronary artery disease. During pregnancy, amlodipine may be used to treat hypertension and preeclampsia.

While amlodipine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, there is limited information on its safety. Animal studies have shown some adverse effects, including decreased litter size, increased intrauterine deaths, and prolonged gestation and labour duration. However, these effects have not been observed in humans, and amlodipine is not thought to be harmful to the baby.

In a study of 231 women with chronic hypertension, 48 neonates were exposed to amlodipine in the first trimester. The results showed no significant difference in the odds of major malformations between those exposed to amlodipine and those exposed to other antihypertensives or no antihypertensives. This suggests that amlodipine does not increase the risk of birth defects when used in early pregnancy.

Despite the limited information on its safety, amlodipine can be beneficial during pregnancy. High blood pressure can increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. By controlling blood pressure with amlodipine, these risks can be reduced, resulting in a healthier pregnancy and better outcomes for both mother and baby.

It is important to note that amlodipine should only be used during pregnancy under the guidance of a healthcare provider. They can monitor the mother and fetus for any potential side effects and adjust the dosage as needed. Additionally, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking amlodipine with their healthcare provider. In some cases, alternative medications or treatment options may be recommended.

Animal studies have shown adverse effects on fertility and fetal development

Animal studies have shown that amlodipine can have adverse effects on fertility and fetal development. In one study, adult male Wistar rats were given 5mg/kg BW of amlodipine or higher doses for 56-65 days. The results showed a dose-dependent reduction in body weight, hair loss, and loss of locomotion and balance in the rats treated with amlodipine. There were also anomalies in sperm morphology, such as sperms with no head and double tails, as well as significantly reduced sperm cell count and motility. Histological analyses revealed scanty seminiferous tubules, wider tubular lumen, and reduced interstitial cells in the experimental groups.

Another study found that amlodipine can cause reversible biochemical changes in the head of spermatozoa in some patients. Animal models have also shown that amlodipine can have adverse effects on male fertility, including significantly decreased litter size, increased intrauterine deaths, and prolonged gestation and duration of labor. Additionally, studies in mice have shown that amlodipine can cause a reduction in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH), leading to impaired spermatogenesis and sperm parameters.

Overall, while amlodipine is considered safe for use during pregnancy in humans, animal studies have shown that it can have adverse effects on fertility and fetal development.

Amlodipine is not recommended during breastfeeding

Amlodipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. While it is considered safe to take during pregnancy, there is limited information about its safety during breastfeeding. Here are some key points to consider regarding amlodipine and breastfeeding:

Amlodipine Passes into Breast Milk

Amlodipine does pass into breast milk, but usually in very small amounts. Studies have shown that amlodipine levels in breast milk range from undetectable to 20 mcg/L. This results in the infant ingesting approximately 3% to 4% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. However, in one case, the infant ingested up to 15.2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose, which is significantly higher.

Monitor Infant for Side Effects

As a precaution, it is important to monitor the infant for potential side effects. These may include hypotension, drowsiness, lethargy, pale skin, poor feeding, and inadequate weight gain. However, it is important to note that no side effects have been reported in breastfed infants to date, and cases of normal growth and development have been observed.

Alternative Medications

While amlodipine can be used with caution during breastfeeding, nifedipine is the preferred alternative within the same subclass of calcium-channel blockers. Nifedipine passes into breast milk in very small amounts and has been extensively used during breastfeeding without any reported side effects.

Consult a Healthcare Professional

It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication while breastfeeding. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific circumstances.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that treats high blood pressure

Amlodipine blocks calcium from entering the muscles in the heart and blood vessels. As muscles need calcium to contract, blocking the calcium causes the muscle cells to relax. This is how amlodipine lowers blood pressure.

Amlodipine can be used during pregnancy, although there is limited information on its safety. It is not thought to be harmful to the baby, but it may increase the risk of low birth weight and premature delivery. It is important to consult a doctor before taking amlodipine during pregnancy, as they may recommend an alternative medicine with more safety data available.

Amlodipine may increase the risk of low birth weight and premature delivery

Amlodipine is a drug used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. It is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, but studies have shown that it may increase the risk of low birth weight and premature delivery.

In a study of 231 women with chronic hypertension, including those who took amlodipine during early pregnancy, 2 out of 48 neonates exposed to amlodipine in the first trimester (4.2%) had morphologic abnormalities. This is not significantly different from those with or without other antihypertensives. However, the sample size was small, and further research is needed.

Animal studies have shown significantly decreased litter size, increased intrauterine deaths, and prolonged gestation and labour duration when amlodipine was administered. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy, but animal models have shown adverse effects on male fertility.

It is important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking amlodipine with their healthcare provider. Alternative medications or treatment options may be recommended to manage hypertension during pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions