Treats an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Belongs to a class of drugs called antiarrhythmics.
Brand Names:
Mexitil
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to mexiletine, lidocaine, or tocainide. This drug should not be used with some heart disorders, liver disease, or seizures - check with your doctor.
Uses:
Capsule, Long Acting Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
May be taken with food, milk, or antacids to avoid stomach upset.
You may need to carry identification to let others know you are using mexiletine. Ask your doctor about this.
If a dose is missed:
If you use mexiletine 3 times daily and you miss a dose, take your medicine as soon as possible if you are less than 4 hours late. If you use the medicine twice a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible if you are less than 6 hours late.
Otherwise, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
Storage:
Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Tell your doctor if you are also using phenytoin (Dilantin®), or other heart medicines such as lidocaine or digoxin (Lanoxin®).
Do not smoke while using this medicine.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, seizures, or low blood pressure.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you are using mexiletine before having any kind of surgery.
Do not suddenly stop using this medicine without asking your doctor.
Mexiletine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
