Prazosin and 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 in milk and infant serum

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.

Alternative drugs to consider

(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;27:313-6.6102000 PubMed
3. Barbieri C, Ferrari C, Borzio M, et al. Metabolic effects of chronic prazosin treatment. Horm Metab Res 1980;12:331-4.6105121 PubMed