Is Iverabidine a generic or trade name for a medication?

Ivabradine is a Generic Medication Name

Ivabradine is a generic medication name, not a trade name. Based on the available evidence, ivabradine is clearly identified as the generic name for a medication used primarily in cardiovascular conditions.

Evidence Supporting Generic Status

• Ivabradine appears in clinical guidelines as the generic name for a heart rate-lowering medication that selectively inhibits the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated funny (If) current in the sinoatrial node 1
• In the 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS guidelines for management of supraventricular tachycardia, ivabradine is listed in medication tables with its generic name, alongside other generic medications like amiodarone, sotalol, and dofetilide 1
• The medication is described as "a unique and intriguing medication" that functions by "blocking the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated channels (f-channels)" 2

Pharmacological Properties

• Ivabradine is a selective heart rate-lowering agent that works through a unique mechanism of action - specifically blocking cardiac pacemaker cell f-channels 3
• It has a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 6 hours and is administered twice daily 4
• The medication is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 and its metabolism can be affected by inducers and inhibitors of this enzyme 4

FDA-Approved and Off-Label Uses

• Ivabradine is FDA-approved in the United States for reducing hospitalizations in patients with systolic heart failure 4
• It has been studied and used for various other cardiovascular conditions including:
  • Stable chronic angina pectoris 3
  • Inappropriate sinus tachycardia 1
  • Various tachycardias 4
  • Arrhythmia prevention after cardiac surgery 4
  • Heart rate control during coronary computed tomography angiography 4, 5
  • Acute mitral-regurgitation-related decompensated heart failure (off-label) 6

Dosing Information

• For inappropriate sinus tachycardia, the typical dosage ranges from 2.5 to 7.5 mg twice daily 1
• The standard maintenance dose for cardiovascular indications is typically 7.5 mg twice daily, with an initial starting dose of 5 mg twice daily 1

Common Adverse Effects

• The most commonly reported adverse effects include:
  • Phosphenes (visual brightness in a portion of the visual field) 1
  • Bradycardia 1, 4
  • New-onset atrial fibrillation 4

Important Precautions and Contraindications

• Ivabradine is contraindicated in:
  • Decompensated heart failure 1
  • Severe hepatic impairment 1
  • When blood pressure is below 90/50 mmHg 1
• It should be used with caution with concomitant medications that can exacerbate bradycardia 1
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers should be avoided when using ivabradine 1

Understanding the distinction between generic and trade names is important for proper medication documentation, avoiding prescribing errors, and facilitating accurate communication among healthcare providers.