Prazosin use while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Because little is available on the use of prazosin during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. The manufacturer reports that one mother was studied and excreted at most 3% of the dose into her breastmilk. No study details were presented.[1]

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Prazosin does not affect serum prolactin concentration in patients with hypertension.[2,3] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Alternate Drugs

(Hypertension) Candesartan, Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Quinapril, Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa, Propranolol

References

1.

Schaefer C, Peters P, Miller RK. Drugs during pregnancy and lactation: Treatment options and risk assessment, 3rd ed. Boston: Academic Press; 2015:716.

2.

Barbieri C, Caldara R, Ferrari C, et al. Metabolic effects of prazosin. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1980;27:313-6. [PubMed: 6102000]

3.

Barbieri C, Ferrari C, Borzio M, et al. Metabolic effects of chronic prazosin treatment. Horm Metab Res 1980;12:331-4. [PubMed: 6105121]

Substance Name

Prazosin

CAS Registry Number

19216-56-9

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists

Antihypertensive Agents