Mexiletine (Mexitil) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Mexiletine affects the way that your heart beats.

Mexiletine is used to treat seriously irregular heartbeats.

Mexiletine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Mexiletine (Mexitil) used for?

  • Ventricular Tachycardia
  • Heart Block
  • Heart Disease
  • Ventricular Arrhythmia
  • Sinus Node Dysfunction
  • Arrhythmias
  • Preexcitation Syndrome
  • Tachyarrhythmia
  • Long QT Syndrome
  • Short QT Syndrome

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Mexiletine (Mexitil)?

You should not use mexiletine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker).

To make sure mexiletine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • congestive heart failure;
  • epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
  • a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or
  • if you have recently taken other heart rhythm medicines (disopyramide, lidocaine, quinidine, or others).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether mexiletine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

Mexiletine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

User Reviews & Rating

Overall rating for Mexiletine (Mexitil)

3.4
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(4 Mexiletine (Mexitil) Reviews)

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3.4

Easy to Use

3.8

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3.4

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Side Effects

What are the side effects of Mexiletine (Mexitil)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mexiletine may cause you to have abnormal liver function tests, especially if you also have congestive heart failure, or blood circulation problems.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain;
  • a new or a worsening irregular heartbeat pattern; or
  • liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

  • heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting;
  • dizziness, feeling lightheaded;
  • tremors, feeling nervous;
  • problems with coordination; or
  • blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Mexiletine (Mexitil) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

C
Risk cannot be ruled out
Based on FDA pregnancy categories

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether mexiletine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

Mexiletine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Mexiletine (Mexitil)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Mexiletine (Mexitil)?

Use Mexiletine (Mexitil) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Mexiletine is usually given at first in a hospital.

Take mexiletine with food or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.

Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

Do not skip doses, change your dosing schedule, or stop taking mexiletine without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition much worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Mexiletine (Mexitil)?

Try not to miss any doses of this medication. Missing doses could be very dangerous.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Mexiletine (Mexitil)?

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, drowsiness, confusion, feeling lightheaded, seizures, loss of consciousness, and a worsening irregular heartbeat.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Mexiletine (Mexitil),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Mexiletine (Mexitil), call 911

911

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