Blood Pressure/Cholesterol

Mexitil (Mexiletine)

This medication is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate.

This medication should be taken with food, milk or an antacid to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. This medication works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose exactly as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Mexitil is used to treat severe irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). 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 but can occur in otherwise healthy people with no history of heart disease or other illness.

Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

This medication sometimes produces new irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), 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. Mexitil should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Mexitil is excreted into breast milk. Because the possibility of harm to nursing infants exists, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.