New angina drug has unique mode of action
Ivabradine, a new drug that can be prescribed for patients with chronic stable angina who are intolerant of beta-blockers, was launched by Servier this week.
Ivabradine (Procoralan) has a unique mode of action. It selectively inhibits
sinus node If channels, thereby reducing heart rate while maintaining
cardiac contractility and atrioventricular conduction. Servier says that
ivabradine is not associated with the most common side effects of beta-blockers,
such as fatigue, low libido and cold extremities.
In trials, 14.5 per cent of patients experienced visual effects, consisting
of transient light spots. All visual effects resolved, most during treatment
(77.5 per cent).
The recommended starting dose of ivabradine is 5mg twice daily, which
can be increased after three or four weeks to 7.5mg twice daily. If heart
rate decreases persistently below 50 beats per minute at rest or if symptoms
related to bradycardia occur, the dose should be titrated down to 2.5mg
twice daily and treatment stopped if necessary.
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