Mexitil Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Brand name: Mexitil

Pronounced: MEX-ih-till

Generic name: Mexiletine hydrochloride

Mexiletine works by decreasing the sensitivity of heart muscle cells to electrical impulses, therefore slowing the electrical conduction in the heart muscle. Mexitil is indicated for the treatment of documented ventricular arrhythmias, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, that, in the judgement of the physician, are life-threatening. Mexiletine produces its helpful effects by slowing nerve impulses in the heart and making the heart tissue less sensitive. 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). Antiarrhythmic drugs have not been shown to enhance survival in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. Mexiletine blocks the fast sodium channel in cardiac tissues, especially the Purkinje network, without involvement of the autonomic system. It can be given in the form of tablets or by injection.

Mexitil Dosage:

• The dosage of Mexitil ® (mexiletine hydrochloride, USP) must be individualized on the basis of response and tolerance, both of which are dose-related.
• If more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
• The usual starting dose is 200 milligrams every 8 hours when quick control of an irregular heartbeat is not necessary.
• Your doctor may adjust the dose by 50 or 100 milligrams up or down every 2 to 3 days.

Uses of Mexitil:

• Mexilitine is used to treat arrhythmias that arise in the ventricles of the heart, mainly after a heart attack.
• Mexiletine produces its helpful effects by slowing nerve impulses in the heart and making the heart tissue less sensitive.

Side Effects of Mexitil:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Skin inflammation and flaking.
• Tingling or pins and needles.
• Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal pain/cramps.
• Swelling due to fluid retention.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Difficult or labored breathing.
• Changes in sleep habits.
• Short-term memory loss.
• Low blood pressure.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

Warnings and precautions before taking Mexitil:

• If you have heart block and a pacemaker Mexitil may be prescribed, but you should be continuously monitored while taking it.
• This medicine may reduce the ability to drive or operate machinery safely, particularly if you drink alcohol while taking it.
• You should be monitored carefully if you have liver disease or abnormal liver function as a result of congestive heart failure.
• Take this medicine with or after food.
• If you have the disorder of an attack, use Mexitil with caution.
• Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how mexiletine affects you.
• Do not stop taking mexiletine suddenly; this may cause serious, heart-related side effects.

Drug Interaction:

If Mexitil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you consult with your doctor before taking any of the following:

• Antacids such as Maalox
• Caffeine products such as No-Doz
• Other antiarrhythmic drugs such as Norpace and Quinidex
• Phenobarbital
• Theophylline products such as Theo-Dur

Overdose:

• Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.
• If you are taking mexitil and after taking you feel that the overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.
• The symptoms of Mexitil overdose may include:
  Coma, low blood pressure, nausea, seizures or other heart problems, tingling or pins and needles.
• The lowest known dose in a fatality case was 4.4g with postmortem serum mexiletine level of 34-37 mcg/ml.
• In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222