Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking lisinopril

Lisinopril and pregnancy

Lisinopril is not recommended in pregnancy. It can affect your baby's kidneys, particularly if it's taken in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This can result in long term damage to your baby's kidneys and poor development of your baby's lungs.

If you're already pregnant, stop taking lisinopril and talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Usually your doctor will be able to prescribe a different medicine that is safe to take in pregnancy. Lisinopril should be stopped by the time you're 12 weeks pregnant at the latest.

Use contraception if you're taking lisinopril and carefully plan any pregnancy with your doctor, obstetrician or hospital doctor. They will want to review your medical condition and medicine before you get pregnant.

Most women come off lisinopril before getting pregnant, but some may continue up until they have a positive pregnancy test and then stop. Your doctor will discuss what's best for you, based on your medical condition and the risks and benefits of lisinopril.

Lisinopril and breastfeeding

It might be OK to take lisinopril while breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. It's best not to take lisinopril if your baby was born prematurely, but your doctor will help you decide.

It's not yet known how much lisinopril passes into breast milk, but it's likely to be a small amount. It is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. However, there is a very small risk that it could also lower your baby's blood pressure. Your doctor might recommend a different medicine for you to take while breastfeeding.

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

Lisinopril and fertility

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking lisinopril reduces fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They will want to review your treatment with you.

For more information about how ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.