Is Amlodipine Safe During Pregnancy?
Amlodipine besylate (
Norvasc®) may not be safe for women to take when pregnant. This conclusion is based on animal studies that looked at the effects of
amlodipine during pregnancy.
Amlodipine and Pregnancy Category C
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but that do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
Amlodipine was given a pregnancy Category C rating because of potential problems in animal studies. When given to pregnant rabbits and rats, amlodipine caused increased miscarriages. It also prolonged labor in rats. The medication did not cause any birth defects in animal studies.
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking amlodipine, let your healthcare provider know.
Your healthcare provider will consider the benefits and risks before making a recommendation in your particular situation.
