What Is Corlanor?

Corlanor (ivabradine) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic heart failure. It works by slowing the heart rate, which helps the heart pump more efficiently. Corlanor belongs to a drug class called HCN channel blockers, and it's the only medication of its kind approved in the United States.

Unlike beta-blockers, which also slow the heart rate, Corlanor targets only the heart's natural pacemaker without affecting blood pressure or how strongly the heart contracts. This makes it a unique option for heart failure patients who need additional heart rate control.

What Is Corlanor Used For?

Corlanor is FDA-approved for two uses:

1. Chronic Heart Failure in Adults

Corlanor is prescribed to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure in adults who meet all of these criteria:

• Stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure
• Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35% or less
• In normal sinus rhythm (not atrial fibrillation)
• Resting heart rate of 70 beats per minute (bpm) or higher
• Already on the highest tolerated dose of a beta-blocker, or unable to take beta-blockers

2. Heart Failure in Children

Corlanor is also approved for children aged 6 months and older with stable, symptomatic heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy.

Off-Label Uses

Some doctors prescribe Corlanor off-label for conditions like inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), though these are not FDA-approved uses.

How Is Corlanor Taken?

Corlanor comes in two forms:

• Tablets: 5 mg and 7.5 mg (tablets are scored and can be split)
• Oral solution: 5 mg per 5 mL (for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or for pediatric dosing)

Typical Dosing for Adults

• Starting dose: 5 mg twice daily, taken with meals
• Dose adjustment: After 2 weeks, your doctor will check your resting heart rate and adjust accordingly
• If heart rate is above 60 bpm: Dose may increase by 2.5 mg per dose
• If heart rate is 50–60 bpm: Stay on the current dose
• If heart rate is below 50 bpm: Dose will decrease by 2.5 mg per dose
• Maximum dose: 7.5 mg twice daily

Always take Corlanor with food. Don't change your dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.

Who Should Not Take Corlanor?

Corlanor is not right for everyone. You should not take Corlanor if you have:

• Acute (sudden, worsening) heart failure
• Blood pressure below 90/50 mmHg
• Sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial block, or third-degree heart block (unless you have a pacemaker)
• Resting heart rate below 60 bpm before starting treatment
• Severe liver disease
• A pacemaker that controls your heart rate entirely

Corlanor is also contraindicated during pregnancy due to a risk of fetal harm. It carries a boxed warning about fetal toxicity. Women of childbearing age must use effective birth control while taking this medication.

Certain medications cannot be taken with Corlanor, especially strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and some calcium channel blockers. Read more about Corlanor drug interactions.

What Does Corlanor Cost?

The cost of Corlanor depends on whether you take the brand name or generic:

• Brand-name Corlanor: $450–$600 per month (without insurance)
• Generic ivabradine: $80–$250 per month (varies by pharmacy and discount card)

Most insurance plans cover Corlanor or its generic with prior authorization. Amgen (the manufacturer) offers a savings card that can reduce your copay to as low as $10–$25 per month for commercially insured patients.

For uninsured or underinsured patients, the Amgen Safety Net Foundation may provide Corlanor for free to those who qualify. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Corlanor.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Corlanor include:

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate) — about 10% of patients
• Phosphenes (brief flashes or halos of light) — about 5%
• High blood pressure — about 9%
• Atrial fibrillation — about 5%
• Dizziness and fatigue

For a detailed breakdown of side effects and when to seek help, see our article on Corlanor side effects.

Final Thoughts

Corlanor is a unique heart failure medication that can make a meaningful difference for the right patient. It specifically targets heart rate without affecting blood pressure or heart strength, filling a niche that other medications don't.

If you think Corlanor might be right for you, talk to your cardiologist. If you already have a prescription and need help finding it, MedFinder can help you locate a pharmacy with stock near you.