About ivabradine
Heart-rate lowering agent
Used for
- Chronic heart failure in selected adults with reduced pumping function and elevated heart rate
- Chronic stable angina in selected adults
Usual adult dose
Heart failure: usually 5 mg twice daily, adjusted to heart rate; maximum 7.5 mg twice daily. Angina: usually 5 mg twice daily, maximum 7.5 mg twice daily.
Common side effects
- Slow heartbeat
- Temporary flashes or brightness in vision
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillation
Important warnings
- Can cause dangerously slow heartbeat or conduction problems.
- Not suitable for acute heart failure or unstable angina.
- Avoid in pregnancy; reliable contraception is recommended during treatment.
- Liver disease and low blood pressure may affect safe use.
Pregnancy
Avoid; animal studies suggest fetal harm, and human safety data are limited.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended because it may pass into breast milk and affect the infant.
Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin and ketoconazole, can raise ivabradine levels.
- Verapamil and diltiazem increase exposure and slow the heart; avoid combination.
- Avoid grapefruit juice, which can increase drug levels.
- Other heart-rate-lowering medicines can increase slow-heartbeat risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.