Quinapril and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Because of the low levels of quinapril 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

Quinapril is an inactive drug that is metabolized to the active metabolite quinaprilat. Quinaprilat is poorly absorbed orally. Maternal Levels. Six women who had been breastfeeding their infants for at least 2 weeks and were 4 to 9 months postpartum were given a single oral dose of 20 mg of quinapril. Quinapril milk levels were detectable at 4 hours after the dose, but undetectable (<5 mcg/L) in all samples by 6 hours after the dose. Quinalaprilat milk levels were undetectable (<5 mcg/L) at all time points. The authors estimated that a breastfed infant would receive about 1.6% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage of quinapril.[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

Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril,

References

1. Begg EJ, Robson RA, Gardiner SJ, et al. Quinapril and its metabolite quinaprilat in human milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2001;51:478-8111422007 PubMed