Lisinopril and Pregnancy Categories C and D

Because the results of the study explained above have not been confirmed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes lisinopril as a pregnancy Category C medicine for the first trimester and a pregnancy Category D medicine for the second and third trimesters.

 

The 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 show side effects to the fetus in animal studies, but for which no human studies in pregnant women have been done. Pregnancy Category D is given to medicines that have shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in human studies. It is a stronger warning than for pregnancy Category C medicines. Despite these warnings, a pregnancy Category C or D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that its benefits outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.

 

Lisinopril and Pregnancy: Recommendations

Because of the possible risk that lisinopril poses to an unborn child, even during the first trimester of pregnancy, you should be sure to let your healthcare provider know prior to taking lisinopril if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of taking the drug during pregnancy before making a recommendation. In all but the rarest of situations, there are other options for women who are pregnant or could become pregnant while on the drug.