Last update Aug. 28, 2020

Valsartan

Low Risk

Possibly safe. Probably compatible. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist with actions similar to those of losartan.
It is indicated in the treatment of hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction and in heart failure.
Oral administration once or twice a day.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.

A high protein-binding capacity makes excretion into breast milk unlikely. In addition, a low oral bioavailability makes difficult the absorption towards the infant's plasma from ingested milk, except in prematures or newborns who may show an increased absorption.

Until more data on this medication is available, safer alternative drugs are preferred (Malachias 2016, Rowe 2013), especially in premature babies or during the neonatal period.

Alternatives

  • Candesartan Cilexetil ( Safe. Compatible. Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.)
  • Captopril ( Safe. Compatible. Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.)
  • Enalapril ( Safe. Compatible. Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.)
  • Quinapril Hydrochloride ( Safe. Compatible. Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Valsartan in other languages or writings:

Group

Valsartan belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Valsartan in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 23 - 39 %
Molecular weight 436 daltons
Protein Binding 97 %
VD 0.24 l/Kg
pKa 8.15 -
Tmax 2 - 4 hours
T½ 6 - 9 hours

References

  1. Malachias MV, Figueiredo CE, Sass N, Antonello IC, Torloni MR, Bortolotto MRF L. 7th Brazilian Guideline of Arterial Hypertension: Chapter 9 - Arterial Hypertension in pregnancy Arq Bras Cardiol. 2016 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. Abstract
  3. AEMPS. Valsartán. Ficha técnica. 2009 Full text (in our servers)
  4. MHRA. Valsartan. Drug Summary. 2009 Full text (in our servers)
  5. Tamargo j, Caballero R, Gómez R, Núñez L, Vaquero M y Delpón E. Características farmacológicas de los ARA-II. ¿Son todos iguales?. Rev Esp Cardiol Supl. 2006;6:10C-24C. 2006 Full text (in our servers)

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