Ibutilide
Ibutilide is an antiarrhythmic medication used for the acute conversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to normal sinus rhythm. It is a Class III antiarrhythmic that works primarily by blocking potassium channels, prolonging the action potential duration and increasing the effective refractory period of cardiac tissue.
Ibutilide is an IV antiarrhythmic used in hospitals to quickly restore normal heart rhythm in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01BD05
- RxNorm
- 41289
- Generic
- Ibutilide
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Corvert
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
all trimestersavoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and maternal ECG
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid
not recommended due to unknown excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusno specific adjustment but use lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to QT prolongation and higher risk of torsades de pointes
continuous ECG monitoring during and after administration
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended in pediatric patients
safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years
if used, require continuous ECG monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution, dose adjustment may be required
reduce dose and monitor closely for accumulation; renal excretion is a minor pathway but accumulation possible
ECG monitoring and consider renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution
metabolized by liver, use with caution in hepatic impairment; monitor for prolonged QT
continuous ECG monitoring during administration
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
other
concomitant qt prolonging drugsavoid concomitant use
contraindicated with other QT prolonging agents due to additive risk of torsades de pointes
continuous ECG monitoring required if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approved in 1995 for cardiac arrhythmias
Drug class
Potassium channel blocker antiarrhythmic
Common uses
Therapeutic indication for rhythm control
Mechanism of action
Prolongs QT interval by blocking potassium currents
Acute conversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to normal sinus rhythm in adult patients. Used when rapid restoration of normal rhythm is clinically indicated, typically within 7 days of arrhythmia onset.
Class III antiarrhythmic that primarily blocks rapid delayed rectifier potassium channels (IKr), which prolongs the action potential duration and refractory period. This helps suppress re-entrant arrhythmias by stabilizing cardiac tissue.
Administered only by intravenous infusion in a hospital setting with continuous ECG monitoring due to risk of QT prolongation and potentially life-threatening torsades de pointes. Requires monitoring for at least 4-6 hours post-infusion. Contraindicated in patients with hypokalemia, severe left ventricular dysfunction, or uncorrected electrolyte abnormalities.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy