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

Q: What is ibutilide (Corvert) used for?

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).

Q: How is ibutilide (Corvert) given?

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.

Generic Corvert

Used for Atrial Fibrillation

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

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 Brands	Corvert
Drug Class	Antiarrhythmic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Corvert

Drug Class

Antiarrhythmic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Ibutilide Fumarate

Ibutilide Fumarate 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 Fumarate (the medication might not work well for them).

Ibutilide Fumarate 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 Fumarate attaches to these receptors, it slows down your heart rate.

Ibutilide Fumarate 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 Fumarate 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 Fumarate 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.