MEXILETINE (Mexitil)
Lynn Rose (Lynnn(AT)webtv.net)
Sun, 15 Mar 1998 10:11:43 -0800
Mexiletine slows rapid heartbeat & stabilizes irregular heartbeats
(arrhythmias). It prevents recurrence of ventricular arrhythmias, such
as premature heartbeats. It can prevent sudden death. Mexiletine
belongs to the same famils of drugs as lidocane (Xylocaine).
Mexiletine has little risk of organ toxicity
but has a high risk of noncardiac adverse effects. However, these
adverse effects often cause people to stop taking mexiletine. Lower
doses can reduce unwanted effects. People with decreased
liver function should take a lower dose.
At times mexiletine actually worsens some types of arrhythmias. Use of
mexiletine with procainamide (Pronestyl) is of little or no value.
DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU HAVE HAD : cardiogenic shock, heart block
of 2nd or 3rd degree without a pacemaker,
Tell your doctor if you have or have had:
Allergies to drugs, angina, congestive heart failure, heart block or
other heart problems, kidney or liver problems, low blood pressure,
myocardial infarction, pacemaker or seizures.
Tell your doctor about any other drugs you take including aspirin,
herbs, vitamins, and other non-prescription products.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS:
amiodarone; CORDARONE; cimetidine, cyclosporine; SANDIMMUNE; SLOPHYLLIN;
TAGAMET; THEO-DUR; theoplylines (all brands); UNIPHYL.
Mexiletine intensifies the effect of caffeine. Eliminate or reduce your
intake of beverages containing caffeine.
PERIODIC TESTS: Ask your doctor which of these tests should be done
periodically while you are taking this drug:
Blood aspartate aminotranferase (AST-
SGOT) tests, Blood mexiletine levels and
EKG.