How does ibutilide (Corvert) work?

Ibutilide (Corvert) is an antiarrhythmic medication. It works by [attaching to certain receptors (proteins) in your heart](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.CIR.97.5.493) that are responsible for controlling the rhythm of your heartbeat. When ibutilide (Corvert) attaches to these receptors, it slows down your heart rate.

What are the side effects and risks of ibutilide (Corvert)?

Possible [side effects](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526021/#article-23332.s5) include nausea and headache. Additionally, since ibutilide (Corvert) works to control your heart rhythm, it can potentially [cause or worsen irregular heart rhythms](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9809901/). One of these abnormal heart rhythms is called [QT prolongation](https://www.goodrx.com/hcp-articles/providers/qt-prolongation-risk-assessment), which can be life-threatening. Because of this risk, your providers will have equipment and treatments readily available during and after your ibutilide (Corvert) injection. Your heart rhythm will be monitored continuously for at least 4 hours after receiving the medication. If your provider detects that you've developed a new irregular heart rhythm, they will treat it accordingly.

ibutilide fumarate

Generic Corvert

Used for Atrial Fibrillation

Basics FAQs Dosage Alternatives Images Prices Medicare

Ibutilide (Corvert) is a medication used to treat certain types of irregular heart rhythms. It's given as an injection through the veins by a healthcare provider at a hospital.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 28, 2022

Basics FAQs Dosage Alternatives Images Prices Medicare

What is Ibutilide (Corvert)?

What is Ibutilide (Corvert) used for?

Treatment of certain irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation and flutter)

Are you looking for information on dofetilide (Tikosyn) instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsCorvert

Drug ClassAntiarrhythmic

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Common questions about Ibutilide (Corvert)

Ibutilide (Corvert) is used to treat certain types of irregular heart rhythms in people in the hospital. It's typically used for people who've developed a new abnormal heart rhythm. People who've had an irregular heart rhythm for a long time are less likely to respond to ibutilide (Corvert) (the medication might not work well for them).

Ibutilide (Corvert) is an antiarrhythmic medication. It works by attaching to certain receptors (proteins) in your heart that are responsible for controlling the rhythm of your heartbeat. When ibutilide (Corvert) attaches to these receptors, it slows down your heart rate.

Ibutilide (Corvert) is given as an injection through the veins (intravenously or IV) over 10 minutes by a healthcare provider in the hospital. Your provider will calculate the appropriate dose for you, since it depends on your body weight. If your irregular heart rhythm doesn't go away within 10 minutes after the first dose, your provider might give you another dose.

Possible side effects include nausea and headache. Additionally, since ibutilide (Corvert) works to control your heart rhythm, it can potentially cause or worsen irregular heart rhythms. One of these abnormal heart rhythms is called QT prolongation, which can be life-threatening. Because of this risk, your providers will have equipment and treatments readily available during and after your ibutilide (Corvert) injection. Your heart rhythm will be monitored continuously for at least 4 hours after receiving the medication. If your provider detects that you've developed a new irregular heart rhythm, they will treat it accordingly.