Corlentor (Ivabradine)
Selective If channel inhibitor for heart rate reduction in stable angina and chronic heart failure
Corlentor (ivabradine) is a prescription heart medication that selectively lowers heart rate by inhibiting the If (funny) current in the sinoatrial node. It is approved for treating symptomatic stable angina pectoris in adults with a heart rate of 70 bpm or above, and for chronic heart failure with a heart rate of 75 bpm or above. Unlike beta-blockers, ivabradine does not affect blood pressure, myocardial contractility, or cardiac conduction, making it a valuable option when beta-blockers are contraindicated or insufficient alone.
Quick Facts
Key Takeaways
- Corlentor (ivabradine) selectively reduces heart rate without affecting blood pressure or cardiac contractility, distinguishing it from beta-blockers.
- Approved for stable angina pectoris (resting heart rate ≥70 bpm) and chronic heart failure (resting heart rate ≥75 bpm) in adults.
- The most common side effect is phosphenes (luminous visual phenomena), which are generally mild and transient.
- Must not be combined with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) or verapamil/diltiazem.
- Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in patients with a resting heart rate below 70 bpm before treatment.
What Is Corlentor and What Is It Used For?
Quick Answer: Corlentor (ivabradine) is a heart medication that specifically lowers heart rate by blocking the If current in the sinoatrial node. It is used for stable angina pectoris and chronic heart failure when the resting heart rate exceeds certain thresholds.
Corlentor contains the active substance ivabradine (as ivabradine hydrochloride), which belongs to a unique class of cardiovascular drugs known as selective If (funny current) channel inhibitors. Unlike most other heart rate-lowering medications, ivabradine exclusively targets the pacemaker current in the sinoatrial node — the heart's natural pacemaker — without affecting the heart muscle's ability to contract, the electrical conduction pathways within the heart, the duration of ventricular repolarization, or systemic blood pressure.
Corlentor is approved for two primary indications in adult patients:
Stable Angina Pectoris
Stable angina pectoris (commonly called angina) is a form of coronary artery disease in which the heart does not receive adequate oxygen during periods of physical exertion or emotional stress. This oxygen deficit manifests as chest pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort, typically triggered by activity and relieved by rest. Corlentor is used to treat symptomatic stable angina in adults whose resting heart rate is 70 beats per minute (bpm) or higher. It can be prescribed as an alternative to beta-blockers for patients who cannot tolerate them or have contraindications, or as an add-on therapy when beta-blockers alone do not adequately control symptoms.
By reducing heart rate, ivabradine decreases the heart's oxygen demand and extends the diastolic filling period, during which the coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. This dual mechanism helps prevent the oxygen imbalance that triggers angina episodes. The landmark BEAUTIFUL trial (2008) and subsequent studies demonstrated that ivabradine significantly reduces the frequency of angina attacks and the need for short-acting nitrates, with sustained efficacy over long-term treatment.
Chronic Heart Failure
Chronic heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's metabolic demands. Common symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea), fatigue, exercise intolerance, and fluid retention causing swollen ankles and legs. Corlentor is indicated for the treatment of chronic heart failure (NYHA class II to IV) with systolic dysfunction in adults whose resting heart rate is 75 bpm or higher, in combination with standard therapy including beta-blockers or when beta-blockers are contraindicated or not tolerated.
The SHIFT trial (Systolic Heart failure treatment with the If inhibitor ivabradine Trial), published in The Lancet in 2010, enrolled over 6,500 patients and demonstrated that ivabradine significantly reduced the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization by 18% compared to placebo. The benefit was most pronounced in patients with a baseline heart rate of 75 bpm or higher. These findings led to the inclusion of ivabradine in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for heart failure management.
How Does Corlentor Work?
Ivabradine works by selectively and specifically inhibiting the If (funny) current in the sinoatrial node. The If current is a mixed sodium-potassium inward current activated during hyperpolarization that controls the spontaneous diastolic depolarization of the sinus node cells. By slowing this depolarization, ivabradine reduces the firing rate of the sinoatrial node and thereby lowers heart rate in a dose-dependent manner.
This selective mechanism of action confers several pharmacological advantages. Because ivabradine acts only on If channels, it does not affect myocardial contractility (inotropy), atrioventricular conduction (dromotropy), or ventricular repolarization. It also has no significant effect on blood pressure. For angina patients, the reduction in heart rate decreases myocardial oxygen consumption and extends the duration of diastole, improving coronary blood flow. For heart failure patients, the lower heart rate improves ventricular filling, reduces cardiac workload, and over time can contribute to reverse remodeling of the failing heart.
What Should You Know Before Taking Corlentor?
Quick Answer: Corlentor has several important contraindications including resting heart rate below 70 bpm, severe liver disease, cardiogenic shock, certain heart rhythm disorders, pregnancy, and concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Always inform your doctor about all medications and medical conditions before starting treatment.
Before prescribing Corlentor, your doctor will perform a thorough assessment of your medical history, current medications, and cardiovascular status. It is essential to provide complete and accurate information to ensure that ivabradine is safe and appropriate for you. The following sections outline the key safety information you need to be aware of.
Contraindications
You must not take Corlentor if any of the following apply to you:
- You are allergic to ivabradine or any of the other ingredients in this medicine
- Your resting heart rate before treatment is below 70 beats per minute
- You have cardiogenic shock (a severe heart condition requiring hospital treatment)
- You have a heart rhythm disorder such as sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial block, or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block
- You are having a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)
- You have very low blood pressure (severe hypotension)
- You have unstable angina (a serious condition with frequent or unpredictable chest pain at rest)
- You have heart failure that has recently worsened acutely
- Your heart rhythm is entirely dependent on a pacemaker
- You have severe liver problems (severe hepatic impairment)
- You are taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (josamycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, or oral erythromycin), HIV protease inhibitors (nelfinavir, ritonavir), nefazodone (antidepressant), or diltiazem/verapamil (calcium channel blockers)
- You are a woman of childbearing potential not using reliable contraception
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You are breastfeeding
Warnings and Precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Corlentor if any of the following conditions apply to you, as additional monitoring or dose adjustments may be required:
- Heart rhythm disorders: If you have any cardiac arrhythmia such as irregular heartbeat, palpitations, increased chest pain, or sustained atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat), or an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern known as long QT syndrome.
- Symptoms of excessive heart rate reduction: If you experience fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, which may indicate that your heart rate has slowed too much. Your doctor may reduce the dose or discontinue treatment.
- Atrial fibrillation symptoms: If you notice an unusually high resting heart rate (above 110 bpm) or an irregular pulse without an apparent cause, which may make it difficult to measure your heart rate accurately.
- Recent stroke: If you have recently had a cerebrovascular event (stroke).
- Low blood pressure: If you have mild to moderate hypotension, particularly after recent changes to your antihypertensive medication.
- Severe heart failure: If you have NYHA class IV heart failure or heart failure with an abnormal ECG pattern called bundle branch block.
- Chronic retinal disease: If you have an eye condition affecting the retina, as ivabradine may affect visual function through its action on retinal If-like channels.
- Moderate liver problems: If you have moderate hepatic impairment, your doctor may use a lower starting dose.
- Severe kidney problems: If you have severe renal impairment, your doctor will exercise caution when prescribing and monitor you more closely.
Children and Adolescents
Corlentor must not be given to children or adolescents under 18 years of age. There is insufficient clinical data to support the safe and effective use of ivabradine in this age group. Pediatric studies have not demonstrated a favorable benefit-risk profile, and therefore the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has confirmed that the drug should not be used in the pediatric population for these indications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Corlentor is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity, including embryotoxicity and teratogenicity. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception throughout treatment. If you discover that you are pregnant while taking Corlentor, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor urgently. Breastfeeding must be discontinued if treatment with Corlentor is necessary, as ivabradine is excreted in breast milk in animal studies and the potential risks to the nursing infant are unknown.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Corlentor may cause temporary luminous phenomena (phosphenes), which are brief episodes of enhanced brightness in the visual field. If you experience these visual effects, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery, particularly during sudden changes in light intensity such as driving through tunnels, at dusk, or at night. Phosphenes are generally mild and resolve during treatment, but they can occasionally impair visual function in situations with rapid light changes.
Corlentor tablets contain lactose monohydrate. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
How Does Corlentor Interact with Other Drugs?
Quick Answer: Corlentor has significant interactions with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (strictly contraindicated), moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (caution required), QT-prolonging drugs, and grapefruit juice. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking.
Ivabradine is primarily metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme system in the liver. Consequently, drugs that inhibit or induce CYP3A4 can significantly alter ivabradine blood concentrations, potentially leading to excessive heart rate reduction or reduced therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, because ivabradine lowers heart rate, caution is needed when combining it with other rate-slowing or QT-prolonging medications.
Contraindicated Combinations (Do Not Use Together)
The following medications must not be taken concurrently with Corlentor, as they strongly inhibit CYP3A4 and can cause dangerous elevations in ivabradine levels:
| Drug | Category | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Ketoconazole, Itraconazole | Antifungals | Major increase in ivabradine levels; risk of severe bradycardia |
| Clarithromycin, Josamycin, Telithromycin | Macrolide antibiotics | Major increase in ivabradine levels; risk of severe bradycardia |
| Oral Erythromycin | Macrolide antibiotic | Strong CYP3A4 inhibition; significant ivabradine elevation |
| Ritonavir, Nelfinavir | HIV protease inhibitors | Major increase in ivabradine levels; risk of severe bradycardia |
| Nefazodone | Antidepressant | Strong CYP3A4 inhibition; risk of excessive heart rate reduction |
| Diltiazem, Verapamil | Calcium channel blockers | Combined heart rate reduction + CYP3A4 inhibition; contraindicated |
Combinations Requiring Caution
The following medications may interact with Corlentor and require dose adjustment or close monitoring by your doctor:
| Drug | Category | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Fluconazole | Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor | Moderate increase in ivabradine levels; starting dose of 2.5 mg twice daily recommended |
| Rifampicin | CYP3A4 inducer (antibiotic) | May reduce ivabradine levels and decrease efficacy |
| Phenytoin, Barbiturates | CYP3A4 inducers (antiepileptics) | May reduce ivabradine levels and decrease efficacy |
| St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) | Herbal CYP3A4 inducer | May reduce ivabradine levels; avoid concurrent use |
| Quinidine, Disopyramide, Amiodarone, Sotalol | Antiarrhythmics | QT prolongation risk + additive heart rate effects; close monitoring required |
| Pimozide, Ziprasidone, Sertindole | Antipsychotics | QT prolongation risk; cardiac monitoring recommended |
| Mefloquine, Halofantrine | Antimalarials | QT prolongation risk |
| IV Erythromycin, Pentamidine | Anti-infectives | QT prolongation risk |
| Cisapride | Prokinetic | QT prolongation risk |
| Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide | Diuretics | May cause potassium depletion, increasing QT prolongation risk |
Food and Beverage Interactions
Grapefruit juice is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 and can increase ivabradine plasma concentrations by approximately two-fold. You should avoid consuming grapefruit juice throughout your treatment with Corlentor. Ivabradine should be taken with meals, as food increases the bioavailability of the drug and ensures more consistent absorption.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Corlentor?
Quick Answer: The usual starting dose of Corlentor is 5 mg twice daily taken with meals. Depending on your response and heart rate, your doctor may increase the dose to 7.5 mg twice daily or reduce it to 2.5 mg twice daily. The maximum dose is 7.5 mg twice daily.
Always take Corlentor exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Corlentor should be taken with meals to optimize absorption and ensure consistent blood levels. The 5 mg tablet can be divided into two equal halves to allow for a 2.5 mg dose. The usual dosing regimen is one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening.
Adults with Stable Angina Pectoris
Angina Dosing
Starting dose: 5 mg twice daily (one tablet morning and evening with meals).
Dose adjustment: After 3–4 weeks of treatment, if symptoms persist and the 5 mg dose is well tolerated, the dose may be increased to 7.5 mg twice daily.
Maximum dose: 7.5 mg twice daily.
Dose reduction: If you experience symptoms of bradycardia (fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath) or your resting heart rate drops below 50 bpm, the dose should be reduced. If symptoms persist at the lowest dose (2.5 mg twice daily), treatment should be discontinued.
Adults with Chronic Heart Failure
Heart Failure Dosing
Starting dose: 5 mg twice daily (one tablet morning and evening with meals).
Dose titration: After two weeks, your doctor will assess your heart rate. If the resting heart rate is persistently above 60 bpm, the dose may be increased to 7.5 mg twice daily.
Maximum dose: 7.5 mg twice daily.
Dose reduction: If resting heart rate decreases persistently below 50 bpm, or if you experience symptoms of bradycardia, the dose should be reduced to 2.5 mg twice daily. Treatment should be reconsidered if the heart rate remains below 50 bpm or symptoms of bradycardia persist.
Elderly Patients (Age 75 and Older)
Elderly Dosing
Starting dose: A lower starting dose of 2.5 mg twice daily (half a 5 mg tablet morning and evening) should be considered for patients aged 75 years or older.
Dose titration: The dose may be increased with caution based on clinical response and heart rate monitoring.
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the heart rate-lowering effects of ivabradine and should be monitored more frequently during dose adjustment.
Children and Adolescents
Corlentor is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age due to insufficient safety and efficacy data.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Corlentor, take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one. The calendar blister pack provided with the tablets is designed to help you track when you last took your medication. Consistent timing of doses helps maintain stable blood levels and optimal therapeutic effect.
Overdose
A large dose of Corlentor may cause severe and prolonged bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate), leading to breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, or fainting. In cases of severe symptomatic bradycardia, treatment may require intravenous administration of isoprenaline or temporary cardiac pacing. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling your local emergency services or going to the nearest emergency department.
Stopping Treatment
Treatment for stable angina and chronic heart failure is typically long-term. Do not stop taking Corlentor without consulting your doctor first. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to a return of symptoms. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment and supervise any gradual dose reduction if discontinuation is necessary.
What Are the Side Effects of Corlentor?
Quick Answer: The most common side effect of Corlentor is phosphenes (luminous visual phenomena), affecting more than 1 in 10 patients. Common side effects include bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, headache, dizziness, and blurred vision. Most side effects are dose-dependent and related to the drug's mechanism of action.
Like all medicines, Corlentor can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The most frequently reported side effects are related to the drug's pharmacological mechanism of action — specifically its effect on heart rate and on the retinal If-like (Ih) channels that are involved in visual processing. Side effects are generally dose-dependent and tend to be more pronounced during the initial months of treatment.
Very Common
May affect more than 1 in 10 people
- Phosphenes (luminous phenomena): Brief episodes of enhanced brightness in the visual field, often described as a luminous halo, colored flashes, image decomposition, or multiple images. These are typically triggered by sudden changes in light intensity (e.g., entering a tunnel, bright sunlight, camera flashes). Phosphenes usually appear within the first two months of treatment and may occur repeatedly. They are generally mild to moderate in intensity and resolve spontaneously, usually within the first few months.
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Bradycardia: Slowing of the heart rate, most often occurring during the first 2–3 months of treatment
- Atrial fibrillation: Irregular, rapid contraction of the upper heart chambers
- Abnormal heart rhythm perception: Awareness of slow heartbeat, ventricular extrasystoles, first-degree AV block (prolonged PQ interval on ECG)
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision (unclear vision)
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Palpitations and extra heartbeats
- Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Muscle spasms
- Elevated uric acid levels in blood
- Increased eosinophils (a type of white blood cell)
- Elevated blood creatinine levels
- Skin rash, angioedema (swelling of face, tongue, or throat)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure), syncope (fainting)
- Fatigue, asthenia (weakness)
- Abnormal ECG pattern, double vision, visual impairment
Rare
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Urticaria (hives), pruritus (itching)
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Malaise (general feeling of being unwell)
Very Rare
May affect up to 1 in 10,000 people
- Second-degree AV block
- Third-degree AV block (complete heart block)
- Sick sinus syndrome
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of severe bradycardia (persistent dizziness, extreme fatigue, fainting), signs of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing), or new irregular heartbeat. If you develop symptoms of a heart attack (severe crushing chest pain, pain radiating to arm or jaw, cold sweats), call emergency services immediately.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) continuously monitors the safety profile of ivabradine through post-marketing pharmacovigilance. Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any suspected adverse reactions to their national regulatory authority. Reporting helps ensure the ongoing assessment of the medicine's benefit-risk balance.
How Should You Store Corlentor?
Quick Answer: Store Corlentor at room temperature, out of sight and reach of children. No special storage conditions are required. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Proper storage of medicines is essential to maintain their safety and efficacy throughout their shelf life. Follow these guidelines for storing Corlentor:
- Keep out of sight and reach of children: Store all medications in a secure location where children cannot access them.
- Check the expiry date: Do not use Corlentor after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the carton and blister pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month.
- Storage conditions: No special storage conditions are required. Store at room temperature and avoid excessive heat, moisture, or direct sunlight.
- Disposal: Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Return unused or expired medications to your pharmacy for proper disposal. This helps protect the environment from pharmaceutical contamination.
The Corlentor tablets are supplied in aluminum/PVC calendar blister packs, which are designed to protect the tablets from moisture and light while helping you track your daily doses. Available pack sizes include 14, 28, 56, 84, 98, 100, or 112 tablets, although not all pack sizes may be marketed in every country.
What Does Corlentor Contain?
Quick Answer: Corlentor tablets contain ivabradine (as ivabradine hydrochloride) as the active substance, available in 5 mg and 7.5 mg strengths. Inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, maltodextrin, and various film-coating agents.
Understanding the full composition of your medication can be important, particularly if you have known allergies or intolerances to specific ingredients. Below is the complete list of ingredients in Corlentor tablets.
Active Substance
- Corlentor 5 mg: Each film-coated tablet contains 5 mg ivabradine (as ivabradine hydrochloride)
- Corlentor 7.5 mg: Each film-coated tablet contains 7.5 mg ivabradine (as ivabradine hydrochloride)
Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)
Tablet core: Lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate (E 470 B), maize starch, maltodextrin, colloidal anhydrous silica (E 551).
Film coating: Hypromellose (E 464), titanium dioxide (E 171), macrogol 6000, glycerol (E 422), magnesium stearate (E 470 B), yellow iron oxide (E 172), red iron oxide (E 172).
Tablet Appearance
The 5 mg tablets are salmon-colored, oblong, film-coated tablets with a score line on both sides, embossed with “5” on one side and the Servier logo on the other. The score line allows the tablet to be divided into two equal 2.5 mg halves.
The 7.5 mg tablets are salmon-colored, triangular, film-coated tablets embossed with “7.5” on one side and the Servier logo on the other.
Both strengths of Corlentor contain lactose monohydrate as an excipient. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine. Consult your doctor if you have any known sugar intolerances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corlentor
Corlentor (ivabradine) is used to treat two main heart conditions in adults: stable angina pectoris (chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart) when the resting heart rate is 70 bpm or higher, and chronic heart failure with systolic dysfunction when the resting heart rate is 75 bpm or higher. It works by selectively lowering heart rate without affecting blood pressure or the heart's pumping strength. For angina, it can be used alone when beta-blockers are not tolerated, or in combination with beta-blockers. For heart failure, it is typically used alongside standard treatments including beta-blockers.
The most common side effect is phosphenes — brief episodes of enhanced brightness or luminous visual phenomena, often triggered by sudden changes in lighting. These affect more than 1 in 10 patients and are typically mild and transient. Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 patients) include bradycardia (slow heart rate), atrial fibrillation, headache, dizziness, and blurred vision. Most side effects are dose-dependent and tend to improve over time. Contact your doctor if any side effects become severe or persistent.
Yes, Corlentor can be used in combination with beta-blockers. For stable angina, it may be added to beta-blocker therapy when symptoms are not adequately controlled. For chronic heart failure, combination with beta-blockers is part of the standard treatment approach. Your doctor will carefully monitor your heart rate when both medications are used together, as the combined effect on heart rate may require dose adjustments. The SHIFT trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of ivabradine as an add-on to beta-blockers in heart failure patients.
Grapefruit juice contains compounds (furanocoumarins) that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver and intestine, which is the primary enzyme responsible for breaking down ivabradine. Drinking grapefruit juice can approximately double the blood levels of ivabradine, leading to an excessive reduction in heart rate and an increased risk of side effects including bradycardia and phosphenes. This interaction persists for several hours after consuming grapefruit. You should avoid all grapefruit products (juice, whole fruit, supplements) throughout your treatment.
While both Corlentor and beta-blockers reduce heart rate, they work through completely different mechanisms. Corlentor exclusively targets the If (funny) current in the sinoatrial node, producing a pure heart rate reduction without affecting blood pressure, myocardial contractility, cardiac conduction, or bronchial smooth muscle. Beta-blockers, on the other hand, block beta-adrenergic receptors throughout the body, which affects heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac contractility, and can cause bronchospasm. This means Corlentor may be particularly suitable for patients with asthma, COPD, low blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, or erectile dysfunction — conditions where beta-blockers may be problematic.
No, Corlentor must not be used during pregnancy or by women who may become pregnant without using reliable contraception. Animal reproductive studies have shown potential embryotoxicity and teratogenicity. If you become pregnant while taking Corlentor, discontinue the medication immediately and contact your doctor. Breastfeeding is also contraindicated during treatment, as ivabradine may pass into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss alternative treatment options if you are planning a pregnancy or discover that you are pregnant during treatment.
If you forget to take a dose of Corlentor, simply take the next dose at your usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one. Corlentor comes in calendar blister packs to help you keep track of your doses. For optimal effectiveness, take your tablets consistently with meals — one in the morning and one in the evening. If you frequently forget doses, consider setting reminders or aligning the doses with regular meal times.
References & Medical Sources
All information in this article is based on peer-reviewed medical research, international clinical guidelines, and official regulatory documents. iMedic follows the GRADE evidence framework and only cites Level 1A evidence (systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials) where available.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Corlentor (ivabradine) – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Last updated 2024. Available at: ema.europa.eu/corlentor
- Swedberg K, Komajda M, Böhm M, et al. Ivabradine and outcomes in chronic heart failure (SHIFT): a randomised placebo-controlled study. The Lancet. 2010;376(9744):875-885. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61198-1
- Fox K, Ford I, Steg PG, et al. Ivabradine for patients with stable coronary artery disease and left-ventricular systolic dysfunction (BEAUTIFUL): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet. 2008;372(9641):807-816. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61170-8
- McDonagh TA, Metra M, Adamo M, et al. 2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. European Heart Journal. 2021;42(36):3599-3726. DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab368
- Knuuti J, Wijns W, Saraste A, et al. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes. European Heart Journal. 2020;41(3):407-477. DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz425
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Ivabradine for treating chronic heart failure. Technology appraisal guidance [TA267]. 2012, updated 2024. Available at: nice.org.uk/guidance/ta267
- Heidenreich PA, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, et al. 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure. Circulation. 2022;145(18):e895-e1032. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- Böhm M, Swedberg K, Komajda M, et al. Heart rate as a risk factor in chronic heart failure (SHIFT): the association between heart rate and outcomes in a randomised placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet. 2010;376(9744):886-894.
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023.
- Fox K, Ford I, Steg PG, et al. Ivabradine in stable coronary artery disease without clinical heart failure (SIGNIFY trial). New England Journal of Medicine. 2014;371(12):1091-1099.
Medical Editorial Team
This article was written and reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, comprising board-certified specialists in cardiology, clinical pharmacology, and internal medicine. Our editorial process follows the GRADE evidence framework, and all content is peer-reviewed before publication.
iMedic Medical Editorial Team – Specialists in Clinical Pharmacology and Cardiology with documented experience in cardiovascular therapeutics and drug information.
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