Your session is about to expire
What is Mexitil
MexiletineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMexiletine is a drug used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). It is similar to lidocaine and may help prevent seizures.
Mexitilis the brand name
Mexitil Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Mexitil
Mexiletine
1985
55
Effectiveness
How Mexitil Affects PatientsMexiletine is a type of local anesthetic and a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeats (Class Ib antiarrhythmic agent). It works similarly to lidocaine, but can be taken as a pill. Mexiletine works better when the heart beats faster, and it shortens the time between heartbeats, making them less likely to become irregular. It also reduces the maximum speed of the heartbeat. Mexiletine either does not change or shortens the amount of time it takes for the heart to beat.
How Mexitil works in the bodyMexiletine works by blocking the sodium channels responsible for the generation and conduction of electrical signals in the heart. This reduces the speed of the electrical signal and decreases the amount of time it takes for the signal to reset. This helps maintain a normal heart rate and rhythm. Mexiletine does not affect the resting membrane potential or change other important heart measurements like blood pressure or electrical signal intervals.
When to interrupt dosage
The quantity of Mexitil is contingent upon the diagnosed state. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Capsule - Oral or Oral) outlined in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Ventricular Arrhythmia
, 150.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 167.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release
Tachycardia, Ventricular
, 150.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 167.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release
Warnings
Mexitil has four contraindications. Hence, it should not be ingested when suffering from any of the conditions specified in the table below.Mexitil ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Shock, Cardiogenic
Do Not Combine
pre-existing second-degree AV block
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
pre-existing third-degree AV block
Do Not Combine
Common Mexitil Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acenocoumarol
Major
The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Mexiletine.
Amitriptyline
Major
The metabolism of Amitriptyline can be decreased when combined with Mexiletine.
Amoxapine
Major
The metabolism of Amoxapine can be decreased when combined with Mexiletine.
Anagrelide
Major
The metabolism of Anagrelide can be decreased when combined with Mexiletine.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Mexiletine.
Mexitil Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on Pralidoxime may cause nausea, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, tingling in the skin, seizures, heart block, lack of heartbeat, fast and irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
Mexitil Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Mexitil?
Currently, 4 active studies are assessing the potential of Mexitil to mitigate Ventricular Arrhythmia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Tachycardia, Ventricular
0 Actively Recruiting
Ventricular Arrhythmia
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Mexitil Reviews: What are patients saying about Mexitil?
5Patient Review
10/9/2008 Mexitil has been working very well for me with no negative side effects. This is a huge improvement from my previous medications (amiodarone and Coreg) which did not effectively address my ventricular tachycardia problem.
4.7Patient Review
4/7/2009 I've been taking this for nearly four years and have been very pleased with the results. I feel better overall and have more energy. The only downside is that occasionally, I get tremors that can be annoying.
4.7Patient Review
12/1/2009 I'm so disappointed that this medication is being taken off the formulary. It's been working great for me for over a year now.
4.3Patient Review
6/1/2010 I've been using Mexitil for over 11 months now, and it's prevented any more shocks from my ICD following 3 ablation procedures. It did take a couple of months to get used to the medication, but since then I haven't had any problems. I'm now dependent on this drug and hope that it will always be available.
1Patient Review
5/22/2010 After being diagnosed with VT, I tried Mexitil for three months. It left me feeling tired all the time and didn't do much to help manage my condition. The dosing schedule was also a huge pain, so it wasn't worth it in my opinion.
Patient Q&A Section about mexitil
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Does mexitil lower blood pressure?
"Can mexiletine influence blood pressure? It can cause both higher and lower blood pressure, though it's not common. If you have low blood pressure issues already, be careful when starting this medication, because it could make blood pressure drop even more."
Answered by AI
What is the generic name for mexitil?
"Mexitil is a type of medication known as an antiarrhythmic agent. It is available in three different doses: 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg capsules. 100 mg of mexiletine hydrochloride is equivalent to 83.31 mg of mexiletine base."
Answered by AI
What is mexitil drug used for?
"The medicine Mexiletine belongs to a group of medicines called antiarrhythmics. These medicines are used to correct irregular heartbeats and restore a normal heart rhythm. Mexiletine works by slowing nerve impulses in the heart and making the heart tissue less sensitive."
Answered by AI
What is the side effects of mexiletine?
"The possible side-effects of the medication are: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, changes in appetite, lightheadedness or dizziness, shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control, loss of coordination, numbness or tingling sensation."
Answered by AI