Ibutilide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 5, 2024.

Applies to ibutilide: parenteral solution for injection.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

• May cause potentially fatal arrhythmias.^{1 7} Should be administered only by skilled personnel in a setting in which proper equipment (e.g., cardiac monitors, intracardiac pacing, cardioverter/defibrillator) and therapy for sustained VT are available during and after drug administration.¹ (See Arrhythmogenic Effects under Cautions.)

• Adequate anticoagulation recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation of more than 2–3 days’ duration.¹

• Select patients carefully such that the expected benefits of conversion to sinus rhythm outweigh the immediate risks of ibutilide therapy.¹ Use ibutilide when it is likely to offer an advantage compared with alternative management methods for atrial flutter or fibrillation.¹ (See Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias under Uses.)

Side effects include:

Generally well tolerated. Adverse events affecting the cardiovascular system (e.g., arrhythmogenic affects, affects on cardiac conduction, palpitation, hypotension, hypertension), nausea, and headache reported in ≤5.1% of patients.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ibutilide: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were ventricular extrasystoles, non-sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, headache, and non-sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, non-sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, non-sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block, bundle branch block, ventricular extrasystoles, hypotension/postural hypotension, bradycardia/sinus bradycardia, tachycardia/sinus tachycardia/supraventricular tachycardia, hypertension, QT segment prolonged, palpitation, tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular extrasystoles, nodal arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, idioventricular rhythm^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Renal failure^[Ref]

Further information

Ibutilide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer