Blopress Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Use in Pregnancy: There are very limited data from the use of Blopress in pregnant woman. These data are insufficient to allow conclusions about potential risk for the foetus when used during the first trimester. In humans, foetal renal perfusion, which is dependent upon the development of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, begins in the second trimester. Thus, risk to the foetus increases if Blopress is administered during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, medicinal products that acts directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause foetal and neonatal injury (hypotension, renal dysfunction, oliguria and/or anuria, oligohydramnios, skull hypoplasia, intrauterine growth retardation) and death. Cases of lung hypoplasia, facial abnormalities and limb contractures have also been described.
Animal studies with candesartan cilexetil have demonstrated late foetal and neonatal injury in the kidney. The mechanism is believed to be pharmacologically mediated through effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Based on the above information, Blopress should not be used in pregnancy. If pregnancy is detected during treatment, Blopress should be discontinued.
Use in Lactation: It is not known whether candesartan is excreted in human milk. However, candesartan is excreted in the milk of lactating rats. Because of the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, Blopress should not be given during breast-feeding.