Ivabradine
Ivabradine is used to treat certain adults with heart failure (condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the other parts of the body) to decrease the risk that their condition will worsen and need to be treated in a hospital. It is also used to treat a certain type of heart failure in children 6 months of age and older due to cardiomyopathy (a condition in which the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged). Ivabradine is in a class of medications called hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate so the heart can pump more blood through the body each time it beats.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Ivabradine comes as a tablet and as an oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food twice a day. Take ivabradine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ivabradine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Some ivabradine tablets come with a line down the middle. If your doctor tells you to take half a tablet, break it carefully on the line. Take half the tablet as directed, and save the other half for your next dose.
Use an oral syringe (measuring device) and a medicine cup to accurately measure and take your dose of ivabradine solution. Ask your pharmacist for a medicine cup if one is not included with your medication. Your pharmacist will give you an oral syringe that works best to measure your dose. Empty all of the solution from the ampule(s) into the medication cup. Measure your dose of from the medication cup using the oral syringe. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how to use and clean the oral syringe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you if you have any questions.
If you vomit or spit out after taking ivabradine, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose after 2 weeks depending on how well the medication works for you, and the side effects you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with ivabradine.
Patients, too, are unhappy with the care they receive during those brief interactions with their doctors. Healthcare communications company West Corporation reported that 25% of patients don’t feel that their provider cares about them as an individual and nearly 20% aren’t convinced their doctor is focused on improving their health – even though 93% of doctors strongly agree that patient satisfaction is important.
Ivabradine controls the symptoms of heart failure but does not cure it. Continue to take ivabradine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ivabradine without talking to your doctor.
