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Mexiletine Drug Information - Precautions to be kept in mind while using Mexiletine

Type of Drug:

A drug used for specific types of irregular heartbeats.

How the Mexiletine Works:

Mexiletine reduces the tendency of the heart to beat irregularly.

Uses of The Mexiletine:

To treat documented life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe mexiletine to reduce the incidence of irregular heartbeats during heart attacks. It may also be used to reduce pain, impaired sense of touch and abnormal sensations associated with diabetic neuropathy.

Precautions:

  • Heart rhythm disturbances: Worsened heart rhythm disturbances can result from taking mexiletine. Close monitoring and careful dosage adjustment will be required.

  • Pregnancy: Mexiletine crosses the placenta. Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

  • Breastfeeding: Mexiletine appears in breast milk. Discontinue nursing if mexiletine therapy is needed.

  • Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with mexiletine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The fOllowing drugs and drug classes interact with mexiletine:

  • Aluminum-magnesium hydroxide (eg, Maalox)

  • Atropine

  • Caffeine

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)

  • Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin)

  • Metoclopramide (eg, Reglan)

  • Narcotics (eg, codeine)

  • Rifampin (eg, Rifadin)

  • Theophylline (eg, Theo-Dur)

  • Urinary acidifiers (eg, potassium acid phosphate)

  • Urinary alkalinizers (eg, potassium citrate)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many mexiletine users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility.

Possible side effects include:

  • Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; heartburn; stomach pain, cramps or discomfort; constipation; diarrhea; changes in appetite.

  • Nervous System: Dizziness; tremor; lightheadedness; nervousness; confusion; incoordination;headache; numbness; abnormal sensations; changes in sleep habits; weakness; fatigue; depression.

  • Circulatory System: Palpitations (pounding in the chest); chest pain; increased irregular heartbeats.

  • Other: Joint pain; blurred vision; vision problems; ringing in the ears; speech difficulties; rash; dry mouth; difficulty breathing; edema (fluid retention); fever.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Take medication with food or an antacid.

  • Notify your doctor if unexplained general tiredness, yellowing of the skin, fever or sore throat OCcurs.

  • Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, tremor, nervousness, in-coordination, changes in sleep habits, headache, visual disturbances, tingling/numbness, weakness, ringing in the ears and palpitations/chest pain may occur. Notify your doctor if they become bothersome.

  • Avoid changes in diet that could drastically acidify or alkalinize the urine.

  • Hospitalization is required when starting this medication.