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Home > Drug Category > Cardiac > Corlanor and Equivalent

Corlanor Information

Corlanor (Ivabradine Hydrochloride) is a unique medication used to treat heart failure. It's different from many traditional heart failure drugs, and the difference is really in how it works. It's used to reduce the risk of hospitalization in people with stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure who have a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (less than 35%). For a patient to qualify for the use of this medication, the patient must be in sinus rhythm (normal heart rhythm) with a resting heart rate of at least 70 beats per minute (bpm) and must already be taking the highest tolerated dose of beta-blockers, or have a contraindication to beta-blocker use.

Corlanor is also indicated in the treatment of stable symptomatic heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy in children aged 6 months and older who have an elevated heart rate and are in sinus rhythm. In chronic heart failure, the heart can’t pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. This often causes the heart to compensate by beating faster, which, over time, worsens heart function. The goal of using this medication is to ease the burden on a weakened heart by slowing it down, which may, in turn, reduce the likelihood of the patient needing hospitalization.

Ivabradine is a selective sinus node inhibitor. In the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, there's an electrical current known as the I-f channel current (also called funny current). This current is what initiates the depolarization that leads to a heartbeat. Ivabradine works by selectively and specifically blocking this current. This results in a reduced heart rate. Crucially, it achieves this heart rate reduction without affecting myocardial contractility (how hard the heart squeezes) or blood pressure as much as a beta-blocker might. This is why it can be a valuable treatment alternative for certain patients. Slowing the heart rate allows more time for the ventricles to fill with blood (prolonged diastolic time), potentially improving the heart's pumping efficiency.

Corlanor Side Effects

As with any medication, ivabradine can cause a range of side effects, some of which are more common and others that are serious but rare. Some individuals may experience temporary brightness in part of their field of vision. This is usually caused by sudden changes in light (luminous phenomena). This brightness usually occurs within the first 2 months of treatment with Corlanor and may disappear during or after the treatment. Other common side effects include increased blood pressure and slow heartbeat.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Atrial fibrillation with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, fast and irregular heartbeat;
• Severe increase in blood pressure with symptoms like headache, confusion;
• Sudden decrease in blood pressure with symptoms like lightheadedness or dizziness

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Corlanor Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ivabradine, other ingredients in Corlanor, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Atrial fibrillation;
• Certain heart conditions, such as sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial block, or 3rd degree atrioventricular block;
• Currently on a pacemaker;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Recent decompensation of heart failure;
• Severe bradycardia (slow heartbeat)

Check with your doctor regularly while using this medication. Your doctor will periodically monitor your heart rhythm while you are taking this medication using a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG). The effects of this medication on the heart rate can cause dizziness. It can also cause vision changes. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you. This medication should not be used during pregnancy due to the potential risk to the fetus. You may need to use an effective contraceptive while taking this medication if you are a woman of childbearing age. Because of the possible risk to breastfed infants, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. The safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established in children younger than 6 months. Concurrent use of ivabradine with some other medications, such as diltiazem or verapamil, can lead to serious side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss with your doctor all current medications you are using, including herbal supplements, to determine potential interactions with ivabradine.

Take ivabradine tablets orally twice daily with meals, as directed by your doctor. Take this medication regularly as prescribed for optimal effectiveness. Your doctor may change your dose during treatment depending on your response. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more usage details. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Corlanor?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Corlanor.