From the Guidelines
Yes, it is dangerous to take olmesartan during pregnancy, and it should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected to prevent potential harm to the fetus. Olmesartan, a medication used to treat high blood pressure, belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), which can directly affect the fetal renin-angiotensin system that is critical for kidney development 1. Using olmesartan during pregnancy can lead to decreased fetal renal function, oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), skull hypoplasia, lung hypoplasia, growth restrictions, contractures of limbs, and even neonatal death. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women with mild to moderate gestational hypertension do not need to be treated with antihypertensive medications, but if treatment is necessary, medications such as methyldopa, labetalol, and long-acting nifedipine are considered safe during pregnancy 1. If you are pregnant and currently taking olmesartan, contact your healthcare provider immediately to switch to a pregnancy-safe alternative for managing your blood pressure. Some key points to consider include:
- Olmesartan is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm 1
- Alternative antihypertensive medications, such as methyldopa, labetalol, and certain calcium channel blockers, are considered safer during pregnancy 1
- Women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia should be closely monitored and managed to prevent complications 1
From the FDA Drug Label
- 1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Olmesartan medoxomil can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death In animal reproduction studies, olmesartan medoxomil treatment during organogenesis resulted in increased embryofetal toxicity in rats at doses lower than maternally toxic doses When pregnancy is detected, discontinue olmesartan medoxomil as soon as possible.
It is dangerous to take olmesartan while pregnant. Olmesartan medoxomil can cause fetal harm, reduce fetal renal function, and increase fetal and neonatal morbidity and death.
- The drug should be discontinued as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected.
- Alternative antihypertensive therapy should be considered during pregnancy 2.
From the Research
Risks of Taking Olmesartan During Pregnancy
- There is limited research on the safety of olmesartan during pregnancy, as stated in the study 3.
- Approximately 10% of all birth defects are directly linked to medications taken during pregnancy, highlighting the potential risks of taking any medication while pregnant 3.
- The study 3 notes that much of the information on medication safety during pregnancy is collected from registries, case studies, and reports, rather than controlled trials.
Olmesartan and Pregnancy
- None of the provided studies 4, 5, 6, 7 specifically address the safety of taking olmesartan during pregnancy.
- These studies focus on the efficacy and safety of olmesartan in managing hypertension in the general population, rather than pregnant women.
- As a result, there is no direct evidence from these studies to inform the safety of taking olmesartan during pregnancy.