Ibutilide can cause potentially fatal arrhythmias, particularly sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia usually in association with QT prolongation (torsades de pointes), but sometimes without documented QT prolongation. In registration studies, these arrhythmias, which require cardioversion, occurred in 1.7% of treated patients during or within a number of hours of using ibutilide.
These arrhythmias can be reversed if treated promptly. It is essential that ibutilide be administered in a setting of continuous ECG monitoring and by personnel trained in identification and treatment of acute ventricular arrhythmias, particularly polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Patients with atrial fibrillation of more than 2 to 3 days' duration must be adequately anticoagulated, generally for at least 2 weeks.
Choice of patients: Patients with chronic atrial fibrillation have a strong tendency to revert after conversion to sinus rhythm and treatments to maintain sinus rhythm carry risks. Patients to be treated with ibutilide, therefore, should be carefully selected such that the expected benefits of maintaining sinus rhythm outweigh the immediate risks of ibutilide, and the risks of maintenance therapy, and are likely to offer an advantage compared with alternative management.
Atrial fibrillation/flutter, pharmacologic cardioversion:
Note: In patients with or without pre-excited atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response who are hemodynamically stable, ibutilide may be used for pharmacologic cardioversion to restore sinus rhythm (Ref). Discontinue as soon as arrhythmia terminates, if sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia occurs, or if marked prolongation of QT/QTc occurs.
IV:
Initial:
<60 kg: 0.01 mg/kg over 10 minutes
≥60 kg: 1 mg over 10 minutes
Repeat dose: If arrhythmia does not terminate within 10 minutes after the end of the initial infusion, a second 10-minute infusion of equal strength may be administered.
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
No dosage adjustment necessary.
No dosage adjustment necessary.
Refer to adult dosing. Dose selection should be cautious, usually starting at the lower end of the dosing range.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Nonsustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (5%), ventricular premature contractions (5), unsustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (3%), supraventricular tachycardia (≤3%), tachycardia (≤3%), atrioventricular block (2%), bundle branch block (2%), hypotension (2%), sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (2%; eg, torsade de pointes; often requiring cardioversion), bradycardia (1%), hypertension (1%), palpitations (1%), prolonged QT interval on ECG (1%)
Central nervous system: Headache (4%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea (>1%)
<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Bullous rash (erythematous), cardiac failure, idioventricular rhythm, nodal arrhythmia, renal failure, supraventricular extrasystole, sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia
Hypersensitivity to ibutilide or any component of the formulation
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Proarrhythmic effects: The use of intravenous magnesium (2 g) immediately prior to and after ibutilide administration has been shown to be helpful in reducing QT interval prolongation due to ibutilide (Caron 2003) and may enhance the efficacy of ibutilide (Kalus 2003). Whether or not prophylactic magnesium reduces the incidence of TdP has yet to be determined; however, it is thought that this measure will reduce the incidence of TdP (Coleman 2004). Consider avoiding use in patients with QTc intervals >440 msec. Use is not recommended in patients who have previously demonstrated polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (eg, torsades de pointes).
Disease-related concerns:
• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): HFrEF is an independent risk factor for ibutilide-associated torsades de pointes, therefore, ibutilide is best avoided in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% (ACC/AHA [Joglar 2024]).
• Electrolyte imbalance: Correct electrolyte disturbances, especially hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, prior to use and throughout therapy.
Other warnings/precautions:
• CAST trial: In the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST), recent (>6 days but <2 years ago) myocardial infarction patients with asymptomatic, non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias did not benefit and may have been harmed by attempts to suppress the arrhythmia with flecainide or encainide. An increased mortality or nonfatal cardiac arrest rate (7.7%) was seen in the active treatment group compared with patients in the placebo group (3%). The applicability of the CAST results to other populations is unknown. Antiarrhythmic agents should be reserved for patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Intravenous, as fumarate:
Generic: 1 mg/10 mL (10 mL)
Solution, Intravenous, as fumarate [preservative free]:
Corvert: 1 mg/10 mL (10 mL)
Yes
Solution (Corvert Intravenous)
1 mg/10 mL (per mL): $67.18
Solution (Ibutilide Fumarate Intravenous)
1 mg/10 mL (per mL): $37.29
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Intravenous, as fumarate:
Corvert: 0.1 mg/mL (10 mL)
IV: Infuse undiluted or diluted over 10 minutes.
Atrial fibrillation/flutter, pharmacologic cardioversion: Rapid conversion of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter of recent onset to sinus rhythm (effectiveness has not been determined in patients with arrhythmias >90 days in duration).
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drug classes (antiarrhythmic agent, IV) which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error (High-Alert Medications in Acute Care Settings).
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Amiodarone: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Amiodarone. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Amisulpride (Oral): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Amisulpride (Oral). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even greater risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Azithromycin (Systemic): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Azithromycin (Systemic). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Carbetocin: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Ceritinib: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Ceritinib. Ceritinib may increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chloroquine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Chloroquine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chlorprothixene: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of Antiarrhythmic Agents (Class III). Risk X: Avoid
Citalopram: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Citalopram. Risk X: Avoid
Clarithromycin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Clarithromycin. Risk X: Avoid
Clofazimine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Clofazimine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
ClomiPRAMINE: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
CloZAPine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of CloZAPine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Dabrafenib: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Dasatinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Dasatinib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Domperidone: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Domperidone. Risk X: Avoid
Doxepin-Containing Products: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Doxepin-Containing Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
DroPERidol: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of DroPERidol. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Encorafenib: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Entrectinib: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid
Erythromycin (Systemic): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Erythromycin (Systemic). Erythromycin (Systemic) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Avoid concomitant use of erythromycin and class III antiarrhythmic agents. Use of erythromycin with dronedarone is specifically contraindicated. Risk X: Avoid
Escitalopram: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Escitalopram. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Etelcalcetide: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Fexinidazole: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid
Fingolimod: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid
Flecainide: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Flecainide. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Fluorouracil Products: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Fluorouracil Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Flupentixol: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Flupentixol. Risk X: Avoid
Gadobenate Dimeglumine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Gadobenate Dimeglumine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Gemifloxacin: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid
Gilteritinib: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If use is necessary, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and arrhythmias. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Halofantrine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Halofantrine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Haloperidol: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Haloperidol. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
HydrOXYzine: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Risk C: Monitor
Imipramine: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Lacosamide: Antiarrhythmic Agents (Class III) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Lacosamide. Specifically the risk for bradycardia, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, or a prolonged PR interval may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
Levofloxacin-Containing Products (Systemic): May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid
Levoketoconazole: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Levoketoconazole. Risk X: Avoid
Lofexidine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Lofexidine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Meglumine Antimoniate: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Methadone: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Methadone. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Midostaurin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Midostaurin. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Moxifloxacin (Systemic): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Moxifloxacin (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid
Nilotinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Nilotinib. Risk X: Avoid
OLANZapine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of OLANZapine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Ondansetron: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Ondansetron. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Osimertinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Osimertinib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Oxytocin: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Pacritinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Pacritinib. Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor
PAZOPanib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of PAZOPanib. Risk X: Avoid
Pentamidine (Systemic): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Pentamidine (Systemic). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Pilsicainide: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Pilsicainide. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Pimozide: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Pimozide. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk X: Avoid
Piperaquine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Piperaquine. Risk X: Avoid
Probucol: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Probucol. Risk X: Avoid
Propafenone: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid
Propofol: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Avoid): May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor
QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Caution): May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor
QT-prolonging Class IA Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk): May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid
QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk): May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid
QT-Prolonging Inhalational Anesthetics (Moderate Risk): May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
QT-prolonging Kinase Inhibitors (Highest Risk): May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
QT-prolonging Miscellaneous Agents (Highest Risk): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Miscellaneous Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
QT-prolonging Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk). QT-prolonging Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk) may increase serum concentration of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Highest Risk): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk). QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk) may increase serum concentration of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
QUEtiapine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of QUEtiapine. Risk X: Avoid
Quizartinib: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Ribociclib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Ribociclib. Risk X: Avoid
RisperiDONE: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of RisperiDONE. QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase CNS depressant effects of RisperiDONE. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
ROPivacaine: Antiarrhythmic Agents (Class III) may increase arrhythmogenic effects of ROPivacaine. Risk C: Monitor
Sertindole: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid
Sparfloxacin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Sparfloxacin. Risk X: Avoid
SUNItinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of SUNItinib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Terbutaline: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Thioridazine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Thioridazine. Risk X: Avoid
Toremifene: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Toremifene. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Vemurafenib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may increase QTc-prolonging effects of Vemurafenib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Use in pregnancy may be considered (Regitz-Zagrosek [ESC 2018]); however, information related to the use of ibutilide in pregnancy is limited (Burkart 2007; Kockova 2007).
It is not known if ibutilide is present in breast milk.
Breastfeeding is not recommended by the manufacturer.
Electrolytes; observe patient with continuous ECG monitoring for at least 4 hours (>4 hours in patients with abnormal hepatic function or if arrhythmic activity is noted) following infusion or until QTc has returned to baseline; skilled personnel and proper equipment should be available during administration and subsequent monitoring
Consult individual institutional policies and procedures.
Vaughan Williams class III antiarrhythmic agent that prolongs myocardial action potential duration (APD) and increases atrial and ventricular refractoriness primarily by activation of a slow inward sodium current (INa-s), in contrast to other agents in this class. Ibutilide also delays repolarization by inhibiting the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr), though the relative contribution of this mechanism to the antiarrhythmic activity of ibutilide is not known (Cimini 1992; Foster 1997; Lee 1992; Yang 1995).
Onset of action: Conversion to sinus rhythm: ≤90 minutes after start of infusion
Distribution: Vdss: ~11 L/kg
Protein binding: ~40%
Metabolism: Extensively hepatic; 8 metabolites via oxidation (only 1 active metabolite)
Half-life elimination: ~6 hours (range: 2 to 12 hours)
Excretion: Urine (~82%; ~7% unchanged); feces (~19%)