Ivabradine is used in certain patients with heart failure. It helps to lower the chance of having to go to the hospital for worsening heart failure.
What is Ivabradine?
Ivabradine works by helping to regular heart rate.
How should Ivabradine be taken?
Ivabradine is typically administered orally in the form of tablets.
Side effects associated with Ivabradine
It is important to c ontact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest or chest pain
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severe or persistent headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Slow heartbeat
- Tiredness or weakness
- Vision problems
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Ivabradine
Ivabradine is contraindicated in case of low blood pressure, severe liver problems , slow heartbeat or if heart failure is severe or gets worse. It could also be contraindicated in cases involving certain types of heartbeat irregularities that are not checked by a pacemaker.
Ivabradine should not be taken in combination with any azole antifungals, barbiturates, diltiazem, macrolide antibiotics, nefazodone, phenytoin, protease inhibitors, rifampin, St. John's wort, telithromycin, or verapamil. It is also necessary to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking its juice during treatment with this drug.
Before starting treatment with ivabradine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs, food or various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: amiodarone, beta-blockers, digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil, azole antifungals, macrolides, nefazodone, protease inhibitors, barbiturates, phenytoin, rifampin, or St. John's Wort
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from heart problems
- You have a defibrillator or pacemaker
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
During treatment, women of childbearing age should take appropriate contraception measures.
It is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with ivabradine.
