Is Valsartan safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Valsartan. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Milk levels after the lowest dose of the combination of valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) are very low. If the highest recommended maternal dosage (6 times greater) produces proportionate milk levels, they would likely still be quite low. Valsartan is unlikely to affect the nursing infant.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Two women taking sacubitril 24 mg and valsartan 26 mg (Entresto) did not observe any symptoms in their breastfed infants. Their extent of breastfeeding was not reported.[1]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Five mothers taking sacubitril 24 mg and valsartan 26 mg (Entresto) twice daily collected milk samples at 0,1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours after taking a dose at steady state. Sacubitril and its active metabolite, LBQ657, were found in the samples, but valsartan was undetectable (<0.19 mcg/L) in all milk samples.[1]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Valsartan in pregnancy
LactMed covers breastfeeding only. For what the NHS and the US prescribing label say about pregnancy, see:
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Valsartan” (LM730). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.