Can I take antihypertensive drugs during breastfeeding?

Those who are overweight and older people are very likely to develop high blood pressure. In addition, women who are breastfeeding may also suffer from high blood pressure for many reasons. The harm of high blood pressure at this time is still very serious. You must pay attention to dietary adjustments. Some foods can easily lead to high blood pressure. Such foods must be avoided. So, can you take antihypertensive drugs during breastfeeding?

Can I take antihypertensive drugs during breastfeeding?

The use of antihypertensive drugs during breastfeeding depends on the situation. Some antihypertensive drugs can be used, while others cannot. What can be used: 1) Methyldopa, which has little effect on infants and can be used. 2) Beta-receptor blockers: propranolol, labetalol and metoprolol can be used. Atenolol, carvedilol, and bisoprolol should be avoided. The baby's heart rate, blood pressure, and growth and development need to be monitored while using beta-blockers. 3) Calcium channel blockers: nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem can be used. 4) Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: Captopril and enalapril can be used during lactation, but are absolutely contraindicated for patients with gestational hypertension.

If hypertension during lactation cannot be controlled to normal levels simply through lifestyle interventions such as diet control, antihypertensive drugs will be needed to control blood pressure. However, if you are taking antihypertensive medication to control your blood pressure, it is best to stop breastfeeding.

If you have hypertension during breastfeeding, you also need to take medication, such as nifedipine. If blood pressure fluctuates greatly, it may cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications.

If you are taking nifedipine sustained-release tablets or benazepril, you cannot breastfeed your child because the two antihypertensive drugs can be secreted and excreted from breast milk, which will affect the growth and development of the child. Therefore, you cannot breastfeed your child while taking antihypertensive drugs during breastfeeding. You can only feed your child milk powder and other dairy products.

It is recommended to take antihypertensive drugs under the guidance of a professional doctor. If blood pressure cannot be well controlled through changes in lifestyle and diet, medication must be taken to control blood pressure. Some patients need to stop breastfeeding.