Skip to main content

Candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Atacand HCT

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 31, 2025.

Candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide Pregnancy Warnings

This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless there are no alternatives and the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
-According to some authorities: Use is contraindicated.

AU TGA pregnancy category: D
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Risk summary: No data are available on the use of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug-related risk.

Comments: Adequate methods of contraception should be encouraged.

Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity. In humans, use of drugs that act on the renin angiotensin system (RAS) during the second and third trimesters increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category D: Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human fetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

See references

Candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide Breastfeeding Warnings

A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown (candesartan); Yes (hydrochlorothiazide)
Excreted into animal milk: Yes (candesartan)

Comments: The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.

See references

Does Candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

See also

References for pregnancy information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Atacand HCT (candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  3. (2020) "Product Information. Atacand HCT (candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide)." ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Atacand HCT (candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer