Article Ivabradine Therapy in Heart Failure Management: Optimizing O...
Contraindications for using ivabradine include:
Decompensated Heart Failure: Ivabradine is contraindicated in patients with decompensated heart failure, which refers to a worsening of heart failure symptoms requiring immediate medical attention and often necessitating hospitalization.
Hypotension: Ivabradine should not be used in patients with blood pressure less than 90/50 mmHg.
Conduction Abnormalities: Patients with certain conduction abnormalities, such as sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial block, or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, should not receive ivabradine unless they have a pacemaker to determine heart rate.
Severe Liver Impairment: Ivabradine is contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C).
Concomitant Use of CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Ivabradine should not be used concomitantly with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) due to the potential for increased ivabradine levels and risk of bradycardia.
Resting Heart Rate Less Than 60 bpm: Ivabradine is contraindicated in patients with a resting heart rate less than 60 beats per minute before therapy initiation.
It's important for healthcare providers to assess patients for these contraindications before initiating ivabradine therapy to ensure patient safety and optimize treatment outcomes.