Ibutilide Fumarate
Pronouncation: (ih-BYOO-tih-lide FEW-muh-rate)Class: Antiarrhythmic agent
Trade Names:
Corvert
- Solution 0.1 mg/mL
Pharmacology
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Prolongs atrial and ventricular action potential duration and refractoriness by activation of a slow inward current (predominantly sodium).
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution
Vd at steady state is approximately 11 L/kg. Approximately 40% is protein bound.
Metabolism
8 metabolites are formed via oxidation. Only the ω-hydroxy metabolite possesses activity similar to ibutilide.
Elimination
Cl is 29 mL/min/kg. Approximately 82% is excreted in the urine (7% unchanged) and approximately 19% in feces. The mean t ½ is approximately 6 h (range is 2 to 12 h).
Indications and Usage
Rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter to sinus rhythm.
Contraindications
Standard considerations.
Dosage and Administration
AdultsIV Initial infusion: At least 60 kg (at least 132 lbs) 1 mg (1 vial) infused over 10 min; less than 60 kg (less than 132 lbs) 0.01 mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg) infused over 10 min. If the arrhythmia does not terminate within 10 min after the end of the initial infusion, a second 10 min infusion of equal strength may be administered 10 min after completion of the first infusion.
General Advice
- For IV administration only.
- May be administered undiluted or further diluted in 50 mL of either normal saline or D5W.
Storage/Stability
- Store unopened vials at room temperature (59° to 86°F).
- Diluted medication may be stored for up to 24 h at room temperature (59° to 86°F), or for 48 h refrigerated (36° to 46°F).
Drug Interactions
Concomitant Class Ia and III antiarrhythmic agents (eg, amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)Do not give concurrently. Withhold for 5 half-lives prior to and for 4 h after ibutilide infusion.
Medications that prolong the QT interval (eg, phenothiazines, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants)Potential for proarrhythmia may be increased.
DigoxinCardiotoxicity (supraventricular arrhythmia) due to excessive digoxin concentrations may be masked.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular
Nonsustained monomorphic ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia (VT); sinus; supraventricular sustained and nonsustained polymorphic VT; hypotension; postural hypotension; hypertension; bundle branch block; sustained polymorphic VT; AV block; sinus bradycardia; QT segment prolongation; palpitations.
CNS
Headache.
GI
Nausea.
Precautions
WarningsExperienced physician/equipped facility. Potentially fatal arrhythmias have occurred and require administration in a setting of continuous ECG monitoring and personnel trained in identification and treatment of acute ventricular arrhythmias, particularly polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Patient selectionPatients with chronic atrial fibrillation have a strong tendency to revert after conversion to sinus rhythm, and treatment to maintain sinus rhythms carry risks. Patients for ibutilide therapy should be carefully selected. |
Pregnancy
Category C .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
Safety and efficacy not established.
Elderly
No age-related differences in safety and efficacy have been observed.
Hypokalemia/Hypomagnesemia
Correct hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia to reduce potential for proarrhythmia.
Anticoagulation
Patients with atrial fibrillation more than 2 to 3 days must be adequately anticoagulated, generally for at least 2 wk before attempted conversion.
Overdosage
Symptoms
CNS toxicity, rapid gasping breathing, convulsions, ventricular ectopy, ventricular tachycardia, AV block.
Patient Information
- Advise patient that this is a short-term treatment for arrhythmia, and long-term oral medications will likely be required for control if this therapy is successful.
- Teach patient and family how to take blood pressure and pulse for home management with medications.
- Advise patient to report any chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fluttering in the chest, headache, or faintness immediately to the health care provider while the medication is infusing.
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Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter










