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 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 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.
How is ibutilide given?
Ibutilide is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this
injection in a hospital or emergency setting.
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.
Your heart rate will be constantly monitored through electrocardiograph or ECG
(sometimes called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart. This will
help your doctor determine how long to treat you with ibutilide.
Heart monitoring may continue for several hours after you have stopped receiving
ibutilide.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since ibutilide is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will
miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Tell your caregivers right away if you think you have received too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, gasping for breath, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid after receiving ibutilide?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
after you are treated with ibutilide.
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