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Home > Drug Category > Myocardial Infarct Medications, Cardiovascular Treatments > Mexitil and Equivalent

Mexitil Information

Mexitil (Mexiletine) is an antiarrhythmic primarily used to manage life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia. These are fast, abnormal rhythms originating in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) that interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. Mexiletine may also be used to treat myotonia, a symptom in which muscles cannot relax quickly after use, which may occur in genetic neurological disorders such as myotonia congenita (Thomsen and Becker diseases) and myotonic dystrophy.

Mexiletine works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in cell membranes. Both heart and skeletal muscle cells rely on these channels to allow sodium ions to enter, generating the electrical signals that drive the heart to beat and muscles to contract. The effects of mexiletine on these channels slow abnormal electrical impulses in the heart's lower chambers, thereby stopping dangerously fast heart rhythms. This effect also stabilizes over-excitable muscle membranes by preventing excess sodium from leaking into cells, allowing stiff muscles to relax normally rather than remain locked in a prolonged contraction.

Mexitil Side Effects

This medication is generally safe when used as directed. However, it has a relatively narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose can be quite small. Some possible side effects that may occur include dizziness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, tremors, unsteadiness when walking, blurred vision, headache, numbness in the toes and fingers, unpleasant taste, hot flush, fever, chills, sore throat, and confusion. Inform your doctor if you experience any of these side effects and they persist or worsen.

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice some serious possible side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions such as body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Breathing difficulties;
• Chest pain;
• Convulsions (seizures);
• Fast or irregular heartbeat;
• Fever with skin rash

Also, inform your doctor if you notice any other side effects not listed here.

Mexitil Precautions

Do not use this medication if you:
• Are allergic to mexiletine, local anesthetics, other ingredients in Mexitil, or any other medication;
• Have experienced a heart attack in the past 3 months;
• Have heart disease that seriously impairs your heart function, such as cardiogenic shock, and second- or third-degree heart block (unless you have a functional, operating artificial pacemaker)

You must inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have before starting this medication, as this medication needs to be used with caution in individuals with some medical conditions, such as:
• Heart conditions such as first-degree heart block, heart failure, or bradycardia;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Parkinson's disease;
• Seizure disorders

Kindly discuss this with your doctor if you are unsure whether you have any of the conditions listed above. Avoid the intake of alcohol while using this medication. Medications such as cimetidine, fluvoxamine, and quinidine slow the metabolism of mexiletine. This causes increased levels of mexiletine in the blood, substantially elevating the risk of toxicity (such as severe tremors or worsening abnormal heartbeat). On the other hand, some other medications like rifampin (rifampicin), phenytoin, and phenobarbital can render mexiletine ineffective. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal products and supplements, to determine whether they are safe to use with Mexitil.

This medication should only be used in pregnant women when the benefits outweigh the risks, as determined by a doctor. It has been shown to pass through breastmilk, and thus breastfeeding is not recommended when using this medication. Store Mexitil capsules in a cool, dry place, preferably less than 30°C. Keep it away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Mexitil?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Mexitil.