Ivarbradine belongs to a class of medication called selective sinus node If channel inhibitors. It can regulate the electrical signals in the heart and slow down heart rate so the heart can pump more blood when it contracts. It is mainly used to treat heart failure and reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure. On the other hand, it has been suggested to be a second-line treatment for stable angina (off-label use).
Ivabradine can be taken orally as tablets.
Heart failure:
The usual initial dose is 5 mg twice daily. After 2-4 weeks taking the medication, adjust the dose based on heart rate (refer below) to achieve a resting heart rate between 50-60 beats per minute (bpm).
Note: A lower initial dose may be required in some special conditions (e.g. history of conduction defects)
Heart rate > 60 bpm:
Increase dose by 2.5 mg twice daily up to a maximum dose of 7.5 mg twice daily
Heart rate 50-60 bpm:
Maintain dose
Heart rate < 50 bpm or signs and symptoms of bradycardia:
Decrease dose by 2.5 mg twice daily; if current dose is 2.5 mg twice daily, discontinue therapy
Stable angina:
5 mg twice daily, and can be increased after 3-4 weeks if symptoms persist and heart rate is >60 bpm, up to 7.5 mg twice daily.
The common side effects of Ivabradine include bradycardia, hypertension, atrial fibrillation and phosphenes.
Common dosing schedule:
Ivabradine should be administered with food to increase absorption.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Ivabradine may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Ivabradine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Ivabradine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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