Ivabradine

Ivabradine is a drug to treat heart failure. This drug is also used to relieve chest pain or chronic stable angina in patients with coronary heart disease.

Ivabradine will help slow the heart rate by affecting the electrical activity in the heart. That way, the heart's work in pumping blood will be lighter and the risk of aggravating complaints in heart failure can be reduced.

This drug can be used by people with heart failure who are adults or children over the age of 6 months. This drug should not be used carelessly and according to a doctor's prescription.

Ivabradine trademarks: Coralan, Farcor 5, Farcor 7,5

What is Ivabradine

Precautions Before Taking Ivabradine

Ivabradine is available in tablet form and its use must be based on a doctor's prescription. There are several things that need to be considered before taking this drug, including:

• Do not take ivabradine if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, hypotension , kidney disease, retinal disease , heart rhythm disturbances, including slow , irregular heartbeat, or sick sinus syndrome .
• Tell your doctor if you are using a pacemaker or pacemaker .
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use effective birth control while taking ivabradine.
• Check with your doctor regularly while you are taking ivabradine.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking ivabradine, because this drug can cause dizziness and visual disturbances, including blurred vision.
• Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction , more serious side effects, or an overdose after taking ivabradine.

Dosage and Rules for Use Ivabradine

The dose of ivabradine for each patient can vary, depending on the condition to be treated and the patient's response to treatment. In children, the dose of ivabradine will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's weight.

The following are common ivabradine dosages based on the condition being treated:

Condition: Heart failure

• Adult: Initial dose of 5 mg, taken 2 times a day. After 2 weeks, the dose may be increased or decreased depending on the patient's heart rate. Maximum dose of 7.5 mg, 2 times a day.
• Elderly: Initially 2.5 mg, taken 2 times a day, the dose may be increased or decreased depending on the patient's response to treatment.
• Children aged ≥6 years weighing >40 kg: Initially 2.5 mg, taken twice daily, the dose may be increased or decreased, depending on the patient's response to treatment.

Condition: Stable angina pectoris

• Adult: Initial dose not to exceed 5 mg, taken twice daily. The dose may be increased to 7.5 mg twice daily after 3–4 weeks, depending on the patient's response to the drug. Reduce dose to 2.5 mg twice daily if patient has bradycardia.
• Elderly aged ≥75 years: 2.5 mg, consumed 2 times a day, the dose can be increased or decreased depending on the patient's response to the drug.

How to Take Ivabradine Correctly

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions on the drug packaging before taking ivabradine. Do not reduce or increase your dose without consulting your doctor.

Take ivabradine with meals. Avoid eating grapefruit while taking ivabradine, because it can increase your risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing.

It is recommended to take ivabradine regularly at the same time every day, namely in the morning and evening, so that the effect of the treatment is maximized.

If you forget to take ivabradine, wait until the next time you are scheduled to take it. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

Continue treatment as recommended by the doctor, even though the condition has improved. Do not stop taking the drug, except on the doctor's instructions.

Carry out routine health checks to the doctor while undergoing treatment with ivabradine. Health checks, such as heart examinations and EKGs, need to be carried out regularly to monitor the development of conditions and the effectiveness of drugs.

Store ivabradine tablets in a closed container at a cool temperature. Protect this drug from direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.

Ivabradine Interactions with Other Drugs

The use of ivabradine together with other drugs can cause interactions between drugs, including:

• Increased risk of fatal side effects when used with ketoconazole , fluconazole, itraconazole , azithromycin, clarithromycin , erythromycin, ritonavir , darunavir, verapamil , diltiazem, or nefazodone
• Increased risk of QT prolongation due to decreased heart rate when used with quinidine , pimozide, disopyramide or ziprasidone
• Decreased effectiveness of ivabradine when used with rifampicin , phenytoin, or barbiturate drugs

In addition, a decrease in the effectiveness of ivabradine may occur if this drug is taken with the herbal St. John's wort.

Ivabradine Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the side effects that may appear after taking ivabradine are dizziness, unusual tiredness, visual disturbances such as seeing a halo image. Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse.

Immediately see a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects occur, such as:

• The heart rate is very slow, in children these symptoms are usually accompanied by difficulty eating, shortness of breath, the skin looks bluish
• Chest pain that gets worse, chest feels pressured
• Dizziness is so severe that you faint
• Unbelievably tired
• Headache or blurred vision
• Pounding heart or fast heartbeat