What is Mexiletine?
Mexiletine can affect the heartbeat. Mexiletine can be used to treat serious irregular heartbeats. Mexiletine can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Mexiletine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, tongue, or mouth. Mexiletine can cause abnormal liver tests. This is especially true if you have congestive heart failure or circulation issues.
Mexiletine can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain;
- A new or worsening irregular pattern of heartbeat;
- Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach discomfort, itchiness, fatigue, lack of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stool, jaundice.
Mexiletine side effects may include the following:
- Nausea and stomach upset.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded;
- Tremors and feeling anxious
- Problems with coordination
- Blurred vision
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report any side effects by calling the FDA's toll-free number 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you suffer from a serious condition of the heart, such as an "AV block," you should avoid taking mexiletine (unless you are wearing a pacemaker). Mexiletine can cause abnormal liver tests. This is especially true if you have heart problems or congestive failure.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to mexiletine or have any of the following:
- A serious condition of the heart, such as an "AV block" (unless you are wearing a pacemaker),.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that mexiletine will be safe for you:
- Liver disease
- Congestive heart failure;
- Epilepsy
- A weak immune system, caused by certain diseases or medicines.
- If you've recently taken any other medicines for heart rhythm ( diopyramide lipocaine quinidine or others).
FDA pregnancy classC. There is no information on whether mexiletine can harm an unborn child. You should tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant, or if are already pregnant. Mexiletine may pass through breast milk, which can harm nursing babies. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding.
How to take Mexiletine?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor might occasionally adjust your dosage to ensure you achieve the best possible results. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed or take longer than prescribed for your dosage. Mexiletine will usually be given in the first instance by a doctor. Use mexiletine or an antacid with your meal to reduce an upset stomach. Electrocardiograms (also called EKGs) are used to check the heart's function. You should not change the schedule of your doses or discontinue mexiletine before consulting your doctor. Your condition could get worse if you change your regimen. Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Ventricular Tachycardia:
If rapid control is not required, the initial dose is 200mg orally every eight hours.
It is best to wait at least 2–3 days before adjusting your dose.
You can adjust the dose in 50- or 100-mg increments.
The usual pediatric dose for arrhythmias is:
Every 8 hours, a dose of 1.4-5 mg/kg should be administered. Start with lower doses initially and gradually increase the dosage to achieve the desired effects.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not miss any of the doses. It is dangerous to miss doses. As soon as possible, take the missed dose. If your next dose is due soon, do not take the missed one.You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms of an overdose include nausea, sleepiness, confusion, lightheadedness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Mexiletine may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those that you plan to start using.
