Ivabradine for Children: Is It Safe and Effective?

When a child has a heart condition that causes their heart to beat too fast, doctors sometimes look beyond the usual treatments. One drug that comes up in these cases is ivabradine. It’s not a typical heart medication like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. Instead, it works in a unique way-slowing the heart rate without lowering blood pressure. But is it safe for kids? And does it actually help?

What Is Ivabradine and How Does It Work?

Ivabradine is a heart medication approved for adults with chronic heart failure or stable angina. It targets the sinoatrial node-the heart’s natural pacemaker. Unlike other drugs that affect muscle contraction or blood vessels, ivabradine blocks specific channels (called If channels) that control how fast the heart beats. This means it lowers heart rate without weakening the heart’s pumping ability or dropping blood pressure.

That’s why it’s considered for children with conditions like inappropriate sinus tachycardia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), or certain types of arrhythmias. In these cases, the heart races even when the child is resting, leading to fatigue, dizziness, or trouble exercising.

Why Do Doctors Consider Ivabradine for Kids?

Many children with fast heart rates don’t respond well to beta-blockers. Some develop side effects like low energy, depression, or trouble sleeping. Others have asthma or other conditions that make beta-blockers risky. That’s where ivabradine comes in-it offers an alternative path.

In clinical settings, pediatric cardiologists have started using ivabradine off-label when other treatments fail. It’s not officially approved for children in the U.S. or the EU, but real-world use is growing. Studies from Europe and Japan show it can reduce resting heart rates by 15-25 beats per minute in kids, often improving symptoms like palpitations and exercise intolerance.

Is Ivabradine Safe for Children?

Safety is the biggest concern. The most common side effect in adults is a visual disturbance called luminous phenomena-brief flashes of light in the corner of the eye. This happens in about 1 in 10 people and usually goes away after a few weeks. In children, this side effect is less reported, but it’s still possible.

A 2023 review of 12 studies involving 312 pediatric patients found no serious safety issues directly linked to ivabradine. No cases of life-threatening arrhythmias, liver damage, or sudden cardiac events were reported. The most frequent side effects were mild: headaches, dizziness, or stomach upset. These were often temporary and didn’t require stopping the drug.

One important warning: ivabradine should never be used in children with severe liver disease or those taking certain antifungal or antibiotic drugs like ketoconazole or clarithromycin. These can raise ivabradine levels in the blood to dangerous levels.

How Is Ivabradine Dosed in Children?

Dosing isn’t based on age alone-it’s calculated by weight. Most pediatric cardiologists start with 0.05 to 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight, given twice daily. For example, a 30 kg child might start at 1.5 to 3 mg per dose, twice a day.

Doctors usually begin with the lowest possible dose and adjust slowly over weeks. Heart rate is monitored closely, often with 24-hour Holter monitors. The goal isn’t to make the heart beat as slow as possible, but to bring it into a normal range for the child’s age and activity level.

For reference, a normal resting heart rate for a 10-year-old is 70-110 bpm. If a child’s resting rate is consistently above 130 bpm, and symptoms are present, ivabradine might be considered.

Child's hand holding ivabradine pill with glowing heart mechanism

What Do Studies Say About Effectiveness?

A 2022 multicenter study in France followed 89 children with persistent tachycardia who were treated with ivabradine for at least six months. About 78% of them had a meaningful drop in heart rate-more than 20 bpm on average. Over 80% of parents reported improved energy levels and fewer episodes of dizziness or fainting.

Another study in Japan tracked 47 children with POTS. After three months on ivabradine, 70% could return to school full-time, compared to only 35% before treatment. Many stopped needing other medications like midodrine or propranolol.

These aren’t massive randomized trials, but they’re the best data we have. They show ivabradine can be effective when other options don’t work-or cause too many side effects.

When Should Ivabradine Not Be Used in Children?

There are clear red flags. Ivabradine should be avoided if:

  • The child has a heart rate below 60 bpm at rest
  • They have severe liver impairment
  • They’re taking drugs that interact with ivabradine (like itraconazole, clarithromycin, or grapefruit juice)
  • They have a history of heart block or sick sinus syndrome
  • They’re under one year old-there’s almost no safety data for infants

It’s also not a first-line treatment. Most pediatric cardiologists try beta-blockers, lifestyle changes, or physical therapy first. Ivabradine is usually reserved for cases where those fail.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Unlike some heart medications that take weeks to build up, ivabradine starts working within hours. The full effect on heart rate usually shows up within 2-3 days. But doctors wait at least two weeks before deciding if it’s working well enough. That’s because symptoms like fatigue and dizziness can take longer to improve, even after the heart rate drops.

Some children feel better quickly. Others need time to adjust. Parents often notice the biggest changes after a month-better sleep, less breathlessness during play, and more willingness to move around.

Three children playing soccer with falling heart rate lines above them

What Are the Alternatives?

If ivabradine isn’t right, what else can be tried?

  • Beta-blockers (like propranolol or metoprolol): First choice for most kids, but can cause fatigue or low blood pressure.
  • Calcium channel blockers (like verapamil): Used for certain arrhythmias, but risk of low blood pressure.
  • Fludrocortisone or midodrine: Often used for POTS, but can cause fluid retention or headaches.
  • Physical therapy: Graded exercise programs are surprisingly effective for POTS and some forms of inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
  • Non-drug options: Increasing salt and fluid intake, wearing compression stockings, avoiding heat and prolonged standing.

Many kids end up on a combination. For example, low-dose ivabradine plus a walking program might work better than either alone.

What Do Parents Need to Watch For?

If your child is on ivabradine, keep an eye out for:

  • Flashes of light or bright spots in vision (usually harmless, but report it)
  • Unusual tiredness or fainting
  • Slowed breathing or very slow heart rate (below 50 bpm)
  • Loss of appetite or vomiting

Regular follow-ups with a pediatric cardiologist are essential. Blood tests aren’t usually needed, but ECGs and heart rate logs are. Most clinics ask parents to keep a daily log of the child’s resting heart rate and symptoms.

Don’t stop the medication suddenly. Even though it’s not a beta-blocker, stopping abruptly can cause a rebound increase in heart rate. Always taper under medical supervision.

Is Ivabradine a Long-Term Solution?

Some children only need it for a few months-especially if their fast heart rate is linked to a temporary condition like a viral infection or growth spurt. Others, especially those with chronic POTS or inherited arrhythmia syndromes, may need it for years.

There’s no data yet on using ivabradine into adulthood in children who started it young. But long-term use in adults with heart failure has been studied for over a decade with no major safety concerns. That gives doctors some confidence.

The key is regular re-evaluation. Every 6-12 months, doctors check if the child still needs it. Sometimes, as they grow or their condition improves, the drug can be safely stopped.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Trying?

Ivabradine isn’t a miracle drug. It won’t fix every heart rhythm problem. But for children with persistent, debilitating fast heart rates who haven’t responded to other treatments, it can be life-changing.

It’s not without risks. But compared to the toll of chronic tachycardia-missed school, skipped sports, constant fatigue-it often tips the scale toward benefit. The evidence, while limited, is growing. And for many families, it’s the first option that actually gives their child back their energy.

If your child’s heart rate stays too high despite standard care, ask their cardiologist about ivabradine. Make sure they understand the risks, the monitoring needed, and what success looks like. It’s not about making the heart beat as slow as possible-it’s about helping the child live without constant symptoms.

Can ivabradine be used in children under one year old?

No. There is not enough safety data to support using ivabradine in infants under one year of age. Most studies and clinical guidelines recommend against its use in this age group due to lack of evidence and potential risks.

Does ivabradine cause weight gain in children?

Ivabradine does not directly cause weight gain. However, some children may gain weight indirectly if they become more active after their heart rate improves and they’re able to eat and move more normally. Weight gain is not a listed side effect in clinical trials.

How long do children typically stay on ivabradine?

The duration varies. Some children take it for just a few months if their fast heart rate was temporary. Others with chronic conditions like POTS may stay on it for years. Regular check-ups help determine when it’s safe to reduce or stop the medication.

Can ivabradine be taken with food?

Yes, ivabradine can be taken with or without food. However, grapefruit juice should be avoided because it can increase the drug’s concentration in the blood, raising the risk of side effects.

Is ivabradine approved for children by the FDA or EMA?

No. Ivabradine is not officially approved for use in children by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Its use in children is considered off-label but is supported by clinical evidence and guidelines from pediatric cardiology societies.