What is ibutilide?
Ibutilide is an anti-arrhythmic heart medication that corrects certain conditions of irregular heart rhythm.
Ibutilide is used to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. If not corrected, these heart rhythm disorders can lead to heart failure or stroke if not corrected.
Ibutilide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ibutilide?
If possible, tell your doctor if you have taken a heart rhythm medication within the past 4 hours before receiving ibutilide.
In an emergency situation, it may not be possible to tell your caregivers that you are pregnant or breast-feeding before you are treated with ibutilide. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received the medication.
In some cases, your heart rhythm problem can occur again or get worse even after you are treated with ibutilide. This may be more likely if you have other problems such as congestive heart failure. However, every effort will be made to quickly treat any additional heart rhythm problems you may have.
During your treatment with ibutilide, you will be watched closely with heart monitoring equipment so that any further problems can be treated quickly. Cardiac emergency equipment will also be kept nearby in case it is needed to treat you.
Heart monitoring may continue for several hours after you have stopped receiving ibutilide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving ibutilide?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to ibutilide.
Tell your doctor about any heart rhythm medications you are taking.
In some cases, your heart rhythm problem can occur again or get worse even after you are treated with ibutilide. This may be more likely if you have other problems such as congestive heart failure. However, every effort will be made to quickly treat any additional heart rhythm problems you may have.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby and is not recommended in pregnant women unless clearly needed.
It is not known whether ibutilide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
In an emergency situation, it may not be possible to tell your caregivers that you are pregnant or breast-feeding before you are treated with ibutilide. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received the medication.