Ivabradine
Uses of Ivabradine
Ivabradine is commonly used to treat Angina Heart Related Chest Pain, Heart Failure
How Ivabradine Works
Ivabradine works by inhibiting the channels in the heart electrical nodes and thus causing slow firing of electrical signal and reduce heart rate.
Side Effects of Ivabradine
Blurred vision, Slow heart rate, Blackout, Fatigue, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Shortness of breath, Constipation, Muscle cramps
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
There is no dosage adjustment required in patients with creatinine clearance >15ml/min while close monitoring and dosage adjustment is needed if creatinine clearance <15ml/min.
Alcohol Not Advisable
Consuming alcohol with Ivabradine may potentiates the adverse effects of dizziness, slow heart rate and headache which can be severe in certain user.
Pregnancy Limited Data
Ivabradine is contraindicated to be used during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity and fetal harm.
Driving Not advisable
It is not advisable to drive when under Ivabradine treatment due to its potential side effects such as headache and dizziness which can affect the ability to concentrate and drive.
Liver Use With Care
There is no dosage adjustment is needed in mild to moderate hepatic impaired patients and is contraindicated in people with severe hepatic impairment.
Lactation Not Advisable
Animal studies have shown traces of Ivabradine in the breastmilk but it is not known whether the same is true in human breastmilk. Ivabradine is contraindicated to be used during breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
