Drug Name

Mexitil (Mexiletine)

Drug Uses

This medication is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) as well as maintain a common heart rate.

How Taken

This medication should be used with food, milk or an antacid to halt stomach upset. Take this medication with a filled glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after using 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 as well as night. Try to take each dose at the alike time each day. Do not halt using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Mexitil is used to treat very bad irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Irregular heart rhythms are generally divided into two main types: heartbeats that are faster than common (tachycardia) as well as heartbeats that are slower than common (bradycardia). Arrhythmias are often caused by drugs or disease but can occur in otherwise wholesome people with no history of heart disease or other illness.

Missed Dose

Take any missed dose as soon as likely but not incase it is almost time for the next dose. Incase it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose as well as resume your normal schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

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

Warnings/Precautions

This medication sometimes produces recent irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Tell your doctor your health examination history, especially: blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), congestive heart failure, abridged 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 as well as 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.

Likely 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. Incase any of these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor incase you develop: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, common weakness, yellowing of the eyes or skin, fever or sore throat, easy bruising/bleeding. In the unlikely event you possess an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate health examination attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, very bad dizziness, breathing trouble. Incase 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 health examination tests (e.g., total blood counts, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.