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Mexiletine |
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What is Mexiletine and why is it prescribed? Mexiletine is used to treat severe irregular heartbeat. 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. While you are taking Mexiletine, your doctor should carefully monitor your heartbeat to make sure the drug is working properly. How should you take Mexiletine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Mexiletine. Take Mexiletine with food or an antacid. Take it exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose and you remember within 4 hours, take it immediately. If more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Mexiletine at room temperature. Are there any Mexiletine side effects? Mexiletine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Mexiletine side effects may include blurred vision, changes in sleep habits, chest pain, constipation, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, headache, heartburn, light-headedness, nausea, nervousness, numbness, poor coordination, rash, swelling due to fluid retention, throbbing heartbeat, tingling or pins and needles, tremors, upset stomach, vision changes, and vomiting. Less common or rare Mexiletine side effects may include abdominal pain/cramps, angina, appetite changes, behavior changes, bleeding from the stomach, confusion, congestive heart failure, decreased sex drive, depression, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, dry skin, excessive perspiration, fainting, fatigue, fever, hallucinations, hair loss, hepatitis, hiccups, high blood pressure, hot flashes, impotence, joint pain, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, peptic ulcer, ringing in the ears, seizures, short-term memory loss, skin inflammation and flaking, skin peeling, slow heartbeat, sore throat, speech difficulties, taste changes, vague feeling of bodily discomfort, weakness, and worsening of irregular heartbeat. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Mexiletine? If Mexiletine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. 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), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Other antiarrhythmic drugs (such as Norpace and Quinidex), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifampin (Rifadin), or Theophylline products (such as Theo-Dur). Are there any special warnings about Mexiletine? If you have heart block and a pacemaker Mexiletine may be prescribed, but you should be continuously monitored while taking it. Mexiletine can aggravate low blood pressure and severe congestive heart failure, so it will be prescribed cautiously for people with these conditions. You should be monitored carefully if you have liver disease or abnormal liver function as a result of congestive heart failure. Diets that change the pH (acid/alkaline content) of your urine can alter the excretion of Mexiletine from your body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about proper diet. Blood disorders have occurred with Mexiletine use. Make sure your doctor performs periodic blood tests while you are using this medication. If you have a seizure disorder, use Mexiletine with caution. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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