Some commonly used calcium channel blockers include amlopidine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem), isradipine (DynaCirc), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), nicardipine (Cardene), and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan).

Probably Safe in Usual Doses
Little is known about the effects of these drugs on a breastfeeding infant, but if there is an effect, it will probably be mild. In rare cases, a child will have an allergic reaction.

Name of Drug Brand Name Use ACE inhibitors Enalapril (Vasotec), Benazepril (Lotensin) Used to treat high blood pressure Acyclovir and valacyclovir Zovirax, Valtrex Antiviral for herpes infections Anticholinergic agents Pro-Banthine Used to treat intestinal and gall bladder spasms; may reduce milk supply Anticonvulsants Depakote, Dilantin, Tegretol (avoid ethosuximide, phenobarbital, and primidone) Used for seizures and mood disorders Antihistamines Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton May reduce milk supply and cause infant drowsiness or fussiness Antituberculars INH Used to treat tuberculosis Azathioprine Imuran Used to suppress the immune system following organ transplants Barbiturates (except phenobarbital) Fiorinal, Fioricet For sedation and tension headaches Bupropion Wellbutrin For depression Clindamycin Cleocin Used to treat abdominal and vaginal infections Oral Decongestants Sudafed, Entex PSE Used to treat congestion associated with colds or allergies; often reduces milk supply Ergonovine (short course) Used to treat uterine bleeding. May reduce milk supply. Fluconazole Diflucan Antifungal Gadolinium Magnevist, Omniscan Contrast agent for MRI studies Haloperidol Haldol Used to treat psychosis Histamine H2 blockers Cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), nizatadine (Axid), and famotidine (Pepcid — preferred) Used to treat stomach problems Hydrochlorothiazide (low doses) HydroDiuril Diuretic for high blood pressure Lorazepam Ativan Used to treat anxiety Methimazole Tapazole Used for hyperthyroidism; less than 20 mg/day is probably safe Metoclopramide Reglan Used for gastrointestinal problems and to increase milk supply Midazolam Sedative used in anesthesia Naproxen Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve Used for pain relief; okay if baby is at least 1 month old Oxazepam Serax Used to treat anxiety Paroxetine Paxil Used to treat depression Phenothiazines Compazine (anti-nausea), Stelazine, Thorazine (anti-psychotic) Propofol Diprivan Sedative used in anesthesia Propylthiouracil (PTU) Used to treat hyperthyroidism Quinidine Used to treat heartbeat irregularities Quinolone antibacterials Cipro and Levaquin; Noroxin is preferred Treatment of urinary tract infections and gonorrhea Salicylates (occasional use) Aspirin Used for pain relief Sertraline Zoloft Used to treat depression Spironolactone Aldactone, Aldactazide Used to treat high blood pressure Sulfisoxazole Gantrisin Used to treat urinary tract infections Sumatriptan Imitrex Used to treat migraines Tetracyclines < 14 days tetracycline, doxycycline Used to treat acne and urinary tract infections Trazodone Used for depression and sleep Tricyclic antidepressants (avoid doxepin) Elavil, Tofranil, Pamelor Used to treat depression Verapamil Calan, Isoptin, Verelan Used for high blood pressure