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Ivabradine Overdose in a Newborn: Precautions of Dispensing in Infants
Pezad Doctor1, William A Scott1, Kaitlin Tindel2
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Insights
Ivabradine overdose occurred in a newborn due to inaccurate dosing, highlighting medication preparation risks in pediatric patients. Careful preparation is crucial for safe ivabradine use in infants with tachyarrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Ivabradine is approved for pediatric chronic heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy.
- It is used off-label for pediatric automatic tachyarrhythmias like ectopic atrial tachycardia.
- Adverse effects and toxicity are rarely reported in adults.
Observation:
- A newborn treated for ectopic atrial tachycardia experienced ivabradine overdose.
- The overdose resulted from inaccurate weight-based dosing, with the infant receiving 10 times the prescribed amount.
- Accurate dosing in children necessitates dilution of the oral solution.
Findings:
- This case details a significant ivabradine overdose in a neonate.
- The overdose was attributed to errors in medication preparation and dosing accuracy.
- Supra-physiological toxicity in children is a concern, though rarely documented.
Implications:
- Highlights critical risks associated with ivabradine prescription and preparation in pediatric populations.
- Emphasizes the need for meticulous attention to detail in pediatric medication dosing and dilution.
- Underscores the importance of standardized protocols for preparing ivabradine in neonates and infants.
Abstract:
Ivabradine is currently approved to reduce heart rate in children with chronic heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy. Ivabradine has also been used off-label in children to treat automatic tachyarrhythmias such as ectopic atrial tachycardia and junctional ectopic tachycardia. Adverse effects of ivabradine at physiological doses as well as its toxicity at supra-physiological doses have rarely been reported in adults. In children, weight-based dosing requires dilution of commercially available ivabradine oral solution for accuracy. We describe a case of ivabradine overdose in a newborn (treated for ectopic atrial tachycardia) secondary to inaccurate dosing leading to the infant receiving 10 times more drug than prescribed. This case highlights potential pitfalls of ivabradine prescription and preparation in children.
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