Indications
Mexitil is a prescription medication used to treat irregular heartbeats, specifically ventricular tachycardia. The active ingriedent in Mexitil is called mexiletine hydrochloride. Mexiletine is classified as an antiarrhythmic drug and is similar in structure to lidocaine but is orally active. It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat.
Mexitil (Mexiletine) works by blocking sodium channels in the heart's muscle cells and nerve cells. This helps to stabilize the heart's electrical activity and restore a normal heart rhythm, particularly in cases of ventricular tachycardia. By blocking these channels, Mexitil reduces the amount of sodium that enters the heart's cells, which can prevent the fast and erratic heartbeats associated with ventricular tachycardia.
Uses and Dosage
Mexiletine is available in capsule form and comes in strengths of 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg and it is taken by mouth. Typically, it is taken three times a day, every 8 hours, but once arrhythmias have been controlled with Mexiletine, it can be taken twice daily, every 12 hours. Mexiletine should be taken with food or an antacid to prevent stomach upset, and at around the same time every day. Your doctor may start you on an average dose and then gradually increase or decrease your dose, not more than once every 2 to 3 days.
Take Mexiletine exactly as directed and not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed. Mexiletine controls arrhythmias but does not cure them. Even if you feel well, continue taking Mexiletine as prescribed. Do not stop taking Mexiletine suddenly, as doing so can cause your condition to become worse.
The typical dosing for Mexiletine is a starting dose of 200 mg or 300 mg by mouth every 8 hours in adults. For some patients, the dose may need to be increased up to 400 mg every 8 hours. If the medication is effective, the dosing schedule may be changed to every 12 hours while maintaining the same total daily dose.
Side effect
Common Side Effects of Mexitil (Mexiletine):
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Feeling nervous
- Heartburn
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Problems with coordination
- Tremors
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Mexitil (Mexiletine):
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Chest pain
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- New or a worsening irregular heartbeats pattern
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Tired feeling
- Upper stomach pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Mexitil (Mexiletine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Mexiletine: Capsules
- 100 mg
- 150 mg
- 200 mg
Caution
- Mexiletine should not be used if you are allergic to it or if you have cardiogenic shock, severe congestive heart failure, or second- or third-degree heart block.
- Mexiletine may cause an irregular heartbeat or worsen existing heart problems, so it should be used with caution in patients with a history of heart disease.
- Mexiletine may interact with other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.
- Mexiletine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Mexiletine may cause changes in liver function tests, so liver function should be monitored periodically during treatment.
- Mexiletine may cause seizures in some patients, particularly at higher doses or in those with a history of seizures.
- Mexiletine may cause an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting, so it should be taken with food.
- Mexiletine may cause changes in blood pressure, so it should be used with caution in patients with low blood pressure or those taking medications that affect blood pressure.
- Mexiletine may cause vision changes or blurred vision, so report any vision problems to your doctor.
- Mexiletine should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may harm the developing fetus or nursing infant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does mexiletine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a typical side effect of mexiletine. In some rare cases, it can cause edema, which is a build-up of fluid in the body's tissues.
How long does it take for mexiletine to work?
Mexiletine typically starts to work 2 or 3 hours after you take a dose. If you are in the hospital, you might get you a higher "loading dose" so that the medication kicks in faster. However, this should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Can Mexitil be used long-term?
Mexitil may be used long-term to control irregular heart rhythms, as long as it continues to be effective and is well-tolerated. However, regular monitoring may be necessary to ensure that it remains safe and effective.
Can Mexitil be used in children?
The safety and effectiveness of Mexitil in children has not yet been established, and its use in children should be carefully considered and monitored by a doctor.
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