Ivabradine

Ivabradine is used by people with a certain heart problem, to help prevent it from getting worse and needing treatment in a hospital. Heart failure is a condition where your heart does not pump blood as well as it should. Ivabradine works by making your heart beat more slowly. It should not be used if you have a slow resting heartbeat (less than 60 beats per minute) before starting ivabradine, low blood pressure, or if your heart failure symptoms have recently gotten worse.

Indications

Symptomatic treatment of stable angina pectoris in patients with normal sinus rhythm, who have a contraindication to or intolerance to beta blockers. Treatment of inappropriate sinus tachycardia.

Dosage

5mg twice daily initially; after 1 month increase to 7.5mg twice daily to get optimal efficacy linked to heart rate reduction. Given limited experience in the elderly, the manufacturer recommends a starting dose of 2.5mg

Contra-Indications

Sick sinus syndrome, and cannot be used concominantly with inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, macrolide).

Special Precautions

Before taking ivabradine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Side Effects

Luminous phenomena, Bradycardia, Headaches, Ventricular extrasystoles, dizziness, and/or blurred vision.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.