Beta blockers and lactation: an update

Beta-adrenergic antagonists are one of the most commonly used class of agents in the treatment of hypertension. They have also demonstrated utility in the treatment of angina pectoris and certain arrhythmias and for the reduction in mortality following a myocardial infarction. The use of this class of agents creates the potential for beta-blocker exposure among lactating women. This review focuses on the most up-to-date data regarding the more common agents--metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, carvedilol, nadolol, sotalol, and betaxolol--and their safety in lactating women.