What Does the Research Say About Lopressor During Pregnancy?

In previous studies on pregnant rats, there was an increased risk of postimplantation loss and death shortly after birth in doses up to 55 times the normal human dose. No birth defects were reported. It is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do.

 

There has been little human research conducted on the effects of Lopressor or any other beta blockers on the fetus. With other beta blockers, there have been individual reports of slowed intrauterine growth, small placentas, and birth defects in the children of women who took Lopressor during pregnancy. There have also been reports of a very low heart rate, low blood sugar levels, and/or decreased breathing in the children of some women when Lopressor was used during childbirth. These problems have not been reported specifically with Lopressor, and there have been many women over the years who have taken Lopressor during pregnancy without any problems.

 

Lopressor and Pregnancy: Suggestions

The animal research, along with sporadic cases of problems with other beta blockers during pregnancy, is why Lopressor has been given a classification of Category C. Lopressor could potentially case harm to your unborn child, but the exact risk is not known. This is why, in some situations, your healthcare provider will recommend Lopressor during pregnancy, and in other situations, he or she will not recommend it.

 

If you are taking Lopressor and pregnancy occurs (or you are thinking of becoming pregnant), it is important that you let your healthcare provider know immediately. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of using Lopressor during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation. Together, you and your healthcare provider can then decide what is best for you and your child.