| |
|
|
|
 |
| MEXILETINE |
| |
| What
is MEXILETINE? |
| |
|
Mexiletine is used to treat arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Basically, mexiletine slows electrical conduction in heart cells and reduces excitability of them. This way, it makes your heart more resistant to abnormal activity.
Mexiletine is available as capsules. |
|
|
 |
| |
| How
should I use MEXILETINE? |
| |
|
Mexiletine is NOT an over-the-counter drug, and depending on your condition your doctor will prescribe a special dosage of the drug. Take mexiletine exactly as directed by your doctor, and do NOT change the dosage on your own. Take the capsules as whole and do not chew or crush them. Take mexiletine at the same time each day to get the best results from treatment. You should also read the directions on the drug leaflet carefully.
Mexiletine is ONLY prescribed to relieve your symptoms and it does not cure your condition. You should NEVER stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. |
|
|
|
| |
| Contraindications |
| |
|
Mexiletine should not be used in patients with some particular arrhythmias (second and third degree heart block) and those with cardiogenic shock. |
|
|
|
| |
| If
you miss a dose! |
| |
|
It’s strongly recommended not to forget any dose of mexiletine. If you forget a dose, take it if only you remember it till 4 hours after the planned schedule. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and NEVER take a double dose to compensate for a missed one. |
|
|
|
| |
| Dietary
instructions |
| |
|
Mexiletine may upset your stomach. It’s suggested to take it with food or right after meals. |
|
|
|
| |
| Special
Precautions & Warnings |
| |
|
Tell your doctor if:
• You are allergic to mexiletine or any other drugs.
• You are taking any drugs, prescription or non-prescription, specially any drugs for arrhythmia and heart diseases, antacids (eg aluminium hydroxide), antibiotics specially erythromycin, antidepressants (eg fluoxetine or clomipramine), anti-epileptic drugs (eg carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproic acid), antihistamines specially astemizole or terfenadine, beta-blockers (eg atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol), cimetidine, diltiazem, digoxin, medications for high blood pressure, metoclopramide, narcotics like codeine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, sedative-hypnotics (eg diazepam), theophylline, verapamil and vitamins.
• You have or have had heart, liver or kidney disease, high or low blood pressure, seizures and drug or alcohol addiction.
• You are going to have a surgery, including dental procedures.
• You smoke cigarettes. |
|
|
|
| |
| Side
Effects |
| |
|
Some unwanted effects may occur with mexiletine. Consult your doctor if the following signs or symptoms get worse or persist:
Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, nervousness, problems with walking, troubled sleeping, shaking, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, pins and needles in hands or feet.
But if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, see your doctor immediately:
Confusion, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat or palpitation, chest pain, shortness of breath, skin rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, ringing in the ears, unusual bleeding or bruising and convulsions. |
|
|
|
| |
| Storage |
| |
|
Keep mexiletine in its container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store capsules at room temperature, away from direct light, excess heat or moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. |
|
|
|
| |
| Emergency/Overdose |
| |
|
In case of emergency or overdose, seek help at the nearest medical centre and do carry the drug container with you. |
|
|
|
| |
| Drug
interactions |
| |
|
• Mexiletine can interact with different drugs for heart problems, let your doctor know if you are taking any of such medicines.
• Mexiletine has interaction with cimetidine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin and theophylline.
• Antacids, narcotics and metoclopramide interfere with the absorption of this drug. If you are taking aluminium or magnesium hydroxide antacids, distance taking them for at least 1 hour with mexiletine. |
|
|
|
| |
| Children,
pregnant women & nursing mothers |
| |
|
• Mexiletine should only be used in children under a doctor’s supervision.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor to be informed of risks and benefits of taking the drug.
• Mexiletine is excreted in breast milk. It is recommended not to feed your baby while taking this drug, since it can cause serious side effects in your baby. |
|
|
|
| |
| More
information |
| |
|
• Mexiletine can make you feel drowsy or dizzy, so do not drive a car or operate a machinary until you come to know how much it affects you. Besides, alcohol can add to the drowsiness of mexiletine, thus do not drink alcohol till you know how the drug works on you.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes while taking this drug. In addition to be harmful, smoking can decrease the effects of mexiletine. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
