Benazepril and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Because of the low levels of benazepril in breastmilk, amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Benazepril is an inactive drug that is metabolized to the active metabolite benazeprilat. Benazeprilat is poorly absorbed orally. Maternal Levels. In 9 women (time postpartum not stated) given an oral dose of 20 mg of benazepril daily for 3 days, peak milk levels of 0.9 mcg/L of benazepril at 1 hour after the dose and 2 mcg/L of its active metabolite benazeprilat at 1.5 hours after the dose were detected. The authors estimated that the infant would receive a dose less than 0.14% of the mother's weight-adjusted dose of benazepril, mostly as benazeprilat.[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 was not found as of the revision date.

Alternative drugs to consider

Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Quinapril

References

1. Kaiser G, Ackerman R, Dieterle W, et al. Benazepril and benazeprilat in human plasma and breast milk. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1989;36 (Suppl):A303.doi:10.1007/BF02411402 PubMed