Mexiletine

Generic name: Mexiletine
Brand names: Mexitil
Dosage form: oral capsule (150 mg; 200 mg; 250 mg)
Drug class: Group I antiarrhythmics

Usage of Mexiletine

Mexiletine affects the way that your heart beats.

Mexiletine is used to treat seriously irregular heartbeats.

Mexiletine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Mexiletine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mexiletine may cause you to have abnormal liver function tests, especially if you also have congestive heart failure, or blood circulation problems.

Mexiletine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain;
  • a new or a worsening irregular heartbeat pattern; or
  • liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

    • Common side effects of mexiletine may include:

  • heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting;
  • dizziness, feeling lightheaded;
  • tremors, feeling nervous;
  • problems with coordination; or
  • blurred vision.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Mexiletine

    You should not use mexiletine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker).

    • To make sure mexiletine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • congestive heart failure;
  • epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
  • a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or
  • if you have recently taken other heart rhythm medicines (disopyramide, lidocaine, quinidine, or others).

    • FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether mexiletine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using mexiletine.

    Mexiletine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

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    How to use Mexiletine

    Usual Adult Dose for Ventricular Tachycardia:

    Initial dose: 200 mg orally every 8 hours when rapid control of arrhythmia is not essential. A minimum of 2-3 days between dose adjustments is recommended. Dose may be adjusted in 50 or 100 mg increments up or down.

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Arrhythmias:

    1.4 to 5 mg/kg/dose given every 8 hours. Begin with lower initial dosages and titrate to desired effects and serum concentrations.

    Warnings

    You should not use mexiletine if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker).

    Mexiletine may cause you to have abnormal liver function tests, especially if you also have congestive heart failure, or blood circulation problems.

    What other drugs will affect Mexiletine

    Other drugs may interact with mexiletine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

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