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Mexitil Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Mexiletine hydrochloride

MEXILETINE (Mexitil®) is an antiarrhythmic agent. Mexiletine treats irregular heart rhythm. Mexiletine can also help your heart to return to and maintain a normal rhythm. 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.

Mexitil Dosage

• The usual starting dose is 200 milligrams every 8 hours when quick control of an irregular heartbeat is not necessary and your doctor may also adjust the dose by 50 or 100 milligrams up or down every 2 to 3 days.
• Most people will do well on 200 to 300 milligrams taken every 8 hours with food or antacids. If you do not, your doctor may raise your dose to 400 milligrams every 8 hours. You should not take medicine more than 1,200 milligrams in a day.
• If you wanr fast relief, then your doctor may start you on 400 milligrams of Mexitil, followed by 200 milligrams in 8 hours.

Uses of Mexitil

• Mexitil is an anti-arrhythmic used to treat an irregular heartbeat.
• It is also used for other conditions those are listed in the medication guide.

Side Effects of Mexitil

If you are using Mexitil, then discuss the side effects of Mexitil with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Mexitil. Side effects may include:

• Blurred vision
• changes in sleep habits
• depression
• diarrhea
• headache
• heartburn
• light-headedness
• nausea
• nervousness
• numbness
• upset stomach

Warnings and precautions before taking Mexitil:

• If you have a seizure disorder, then you should use Mexitil with caution.
• If you are taking Mexitil, then you may feel some sleepiness, dizzy. This medicine may reduce the ability to drive or operate machinery safely, particularly if you drink alcohol while taking it.
• You should tell your doctor your medical history especially if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, liver disease, history of seizures, any allergies - especially allergies to amide - type anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, tocainamide) or other drugs.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Mexitil, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Mexitil. Discuss with your doctor before combining Mexitil with the following:

• Antacids such as Maalox
• Caffeine products such as No-Doz
• Other antiarrhythmic drugs such as Norpace and Quinidex
• Phenobarbital
• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• Theophylline products such as Theo-Dur

Overdose

After taking Mexitil, If you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. Symptoms of Mexitil overdose may include:

• Coma
• low blood pressure
• nausea
• seizures
• slow heartbeat or other heart problems
• tingling or pins and needles