Mexitil (Mexiletine)

Drug Uses

This medication is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate.

How Taken

This medication should be taken with food, milk or an antacid to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. This medication works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose exactly as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Mexitil is used to treat severe irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Irregular heart rhythms are generally divided into two main types: heartbeats that are faster than normal (tachycardia) and heartbeats that are slower than normal (bradycardia).

Arrhythmias are often caused by drugs or disease but can occur in otherwise healthy people with no history of heart disease or other illness.

Missed Dose

Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Warnings/Precautions

This medication sometimes produces new irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, liver disease, history of seizures, any allergies- especially allergies to amide- type anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, tocainamide) or other drugs. Mexitil should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Mexitil is excreted into breast milk. Because the possibility of harm to nursing infants exists, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dizziness, tremor, changes in vision, nervousness, confusion, headache, fatigue, depression, changes in sleep habits, numbness or tingling especially of the hands or feet, ringing in the ears may occur. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you develop:

• chest pain,
• rapid heartbeat,
• general weakness,
• yellowing of the eyes or skin,
• fever or sore throat,
• easy bruising/bleeding.

In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• rash,
• itching,
• swelling,
• severe dizziness,
• breathing trouble.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Your doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take this medication. Learn how to monitor your pulse. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.