Mexitil

Generic name: Mexiletine

Mexiletine capsules

What are mexiletine capsules?

MEXILETINE (Mexitil) is an antiarrhythmic agent. Mexiletine treats irregular heart rhythm and can slow rapid heartbeats (tachycardia). Mexiletine can help your heart to return to and maintain a normal rhythm. Generic mexiletine capsules are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease or problems other than rhythm and heart rate problems
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• previous heart attack
• seizures (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to mexiletine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take mexiletine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. If mexiletine upsets your stomach you can take it with food, milk or an antacid. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take the missed dose if it is more than 4 hours after the dose was due. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with mexiletine?

• ammonium chloride
• acetazolamide
• cimetidine
• disopyramide
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• phenytoin
• sevelamer
• sodium bicarbonate
• some antidepressants or drugs for anxiety disorders
• theophylline

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking mexiletine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking mexiletine suddenly; this may cause serious, heart-related side effects. Because your condition and the use of mexiletine carry some risk. it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications and prescriber or health care professional.

Check your heart rate (pulse) and blood pressure regularly while you are taking mexiletine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Your prescriber or health care professional also may schedule regular blood tests and electrocardiograms to check your progress.

You may feel dizzy or faint. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how mexiletine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking mexiletine.

What side effects may I notice from taking mexiletine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain, continued irregular heartbeats
• difficulty breathing
• seizures (convulsions)
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash
• trembling, shaking
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision
• difficulty walking
• dizziness
• heartburn
• nausea, vomiting
• nervousness
• numbness, or tingling in the fingers or toes
• skin rash
• stomach pain