Veral Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Verapamil hydrochloride has placental patency. The plasma concentration in umbilical venous blood is 20-92% of the maternal plasma concentration. No sufficient experience is available regarding use of verapamil hydrochloride during pregnancy. However, data about a limited number of pregnant women treated orally do not suggest teratogenic effects of verapamil hydrochloride. Experimental animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
Verapamil hydrochloride should therefore not be taken in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. It may be taken in the third trimenon only in case of compelling indication while consideration the risk for mother and child.
Lactation: Verapamil is excreted in breast milk (milk concentration is approximately 23% of the maternal plasma concentration). Limited human data after oral ingestion have shown that the infant absorbs only a small amount of the active substance (0.1 to 1% of the maternal dose) so taking verapamil could therefore be compatible with breast-feeding.
A risk for the newborn/infant cannot be excluded.
Due to the risk of severe adverse reactions in infants, verapamil should not be administered during lactation unless it is absolutely necessary for the welfare of the mother.
Evidence exists that verapamil can cause hyperprolactinaemia and galactorrhoea in isolated cases.