Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking amlodipine

Amlodipine and pregnancy

Amlodipine can be used in pregnancy. Although there is not a lot of information on its safety, it is not thought to be harmful to the baby.

If you are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about it. They may wish to change amlodipine for a medicine that has more safety information. However, if your blood pressure levels are OK, then it may be better to continue taking amlodipine rather than switching to another medicine.

Amlodipine and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, it's OK to take amlodipine while you're breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist as they may recommend a medicine we know more about, like nifedipine.

Amlodipine passes into breast milk in small amounts and has not been known to cause side effects in breastfed babies.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, looks much paler than usual or if you have any other concerns about your baby, then talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Amlodipine and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking amlodipine reduces fertility in women.

Amlodipine may affect sperm function. Speak to your doctor if you are having difficulty trying for a baby, as stopping amlodipine may be considered. Talk to your fertility specialist if you're worried.

Find out more about how calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine can affect you and your baby in pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.