Coralan (Ivabradine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Coralan Used For?
Coralan is a medication that helps manage certain heart conditions.
Primary Uses
It is prescribed for symptomatic stable angina in adults with a heart rate of 70 bpm or higher, and for heart failure.
How It Works
Coralan works by lowering the heart rate, which helps relieve symptoms of stable angina and improves heart function in heart failure.
Good to know: Coralan is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Coralan
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking Coralan.
Dosage Instructions
The usual starting dose is one 5 mg tablet taken twice daily. After a few weeks, your doctor may adjust the dose, but it should not exceed one 7.5 mg tablet twice daily.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it at your next scheduled time. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to compensate for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Temporary visual disturbances (e.g., bright spots, halos)
- Changes in heart function (slow heartbeat)
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face or throat
- Skin rash or itching
- Changes in heart rate (fast or irregular)
- Fainting
Impulse Control Issues
There is no mention of impulse control issues related to Coralan.
Important Warnings
There are specific situations where Coralan should not be used.
Who Should Not Take Coralan
Do not take Coralan if you have allergies to ivabradine, certain heart rhythm disturbances, a resting heart rate below 70 bpm, unstable angina, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor if you have a slow heartbeat, liver disease, kidney issues, or eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Coralan may affect a developing baby if taken during pregnancy, and breastfeeding should be avoided while on this medication.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Special caution is advised for elderly patients, particularly those with dementia.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications and foods can affect how Coralan works.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Coralan.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
- Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin)
- Cyclosporin
- Ketoconazole
- Gestodene
- HIV medications
- Rifampicin
- Barbiturates
- Phenytoin
- Beta-blockers
- Amiodarone
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil)
- St John's Wort
- Diuretics
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when consuming alcohol or driving while taking Coralan.
Alcohol
Limit alcohol intake as it may exacerbate side effects.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using machinery, especially in changing light conditions.
Temperature Regulation
No specific information on temperature regulation was mentioned.
Storage
Store Coralan in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat, ideally below 30 degrees C. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include a very slow heartbeat and feelings of breathlessness or fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coralan may take several weeks to show its full effect.
Yes, it is recommended to take Coralan with food.
No, Coralan is not considered addictive.
Consult your doctor before stopping Coralan, as stopping suddenly may affect your heart condition.
It is advisable to limit alcohol intake while on Coralan.
There is no information indicating that Coralan causes weight gain.
Elderly patients should use Coralan with caution, especially those with dementia.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.