Ivabradine 15mg

Ivabradine 15mg — Uses and Benefits

Ivabradine 15mg is prescribed for people with chronic stable angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart) and for certain patients with chronic heart failure who have a raised heart rate.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Relieving symptoms of chronic stable angina
• Reducing heart rate in patients with heart failure who are already on other heart medicines
• Improving exercise tolerance in angina patients

HOW IT WORKS

• Acts on the heart's natural pacemaker cells (sinus node)
• Slows down the heart rate without lowering blood pressure significantly
• Reduces the heart's oxygen demand, easing chest pain

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for sudden chest pain (acute angina attacks) — it is a preventive, not a rescue medicine
• Not a first-line treatment for high blood pressure
• Not used for irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation
• Not recommended for use in children unless specifically advised by a specialist

How to Use Ivabradine 15mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually twice daily
• Swallow the tablet with water, along with meals, as food improves absorption
• Do not crush or chew unless your doctor advises so
• Do not stop the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better
• Continue taking it regularly for the full benefit

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, set a reminder or ask your pharmacist for help

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original blister pack until ready to use
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Ivabradine 15mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Visual brightness or luminous phenomena (phosphenes)
• Blurred vision
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Headache
• Dizziness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• High blood pressure
• Palpitations or extra heartbeats
• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Breathlessness

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Very slow or irregular heartbeat with dizziness or fainting
• Severe chest pain
• Swelling of face, lips, or throat (allergic reaction)
• Severe skin rash or blistering
• Sudden worsening of vision

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ivabradine 15mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should not be taken without a valid doctor's prescription.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Have a resting heart rate that is already very low
• Have severe liver disease
• Have recently had a heart attack or unstable heart failure
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like certain antifungal or HIV medicines

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any heart rhythm problems
• Have kidney or liver impairment
• Are on other heart rate or blood pressure medicines
• Have low blood pressure
• Are planning pregnancy

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Certain antifungal medicines (like ketoconazole)
• Certain antibiotics (like clarithromycin)
• Some HIV protease inhibitors
• Grapefruit juice
• Other heart rate-lowering medicines like diltiazem or verapamil

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this with grapefruit juice?

No, grapefruit juice can increase the levels of this medicine in the blood and should be avoided.

Will this medicine lower my blood pressure?

It mainly lowers heart rate and has little effect on blood pressure, but always monitor as advised by your doctor.

Can I drive after taking this medicine?

• Some people experience visual disturbances, so avoid driving or operating machinery if you notice blurred vision or luminous spots.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.