Mexitil Capsules

Generic Name: Mexiletine hydrochloride
Product Name: Mexitil Capsules

Indication

This drug is used for treating life threatening ventricular arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms (e.g. severe ventricular tachycardia).

Action

• Mexiletine hydrochloride is structurally similar to the local anaesthetic lignocaine.
• Mexiletine hydrochloride however can be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and also has a longer duration of action.
• Mexiletine hydrochloride is classified as a class I antiarrhythmic drug as it depresses the maximum rate of myocardial depolarization (electrical conduction) without affecting the myocyte (heart cell) resting potential (baseline level).
• Mexiletine hydrochloride may also exhibit a beneficial slight negative iontropic effect.

Dose advice

• A loading dose of 400mg mexiletine hydrochloride is usually administered initially.
• A maintenance dose is then administered usually two hours following the loading dose. This consists of 200-250mg mexiletine hydrochloride, three times daily. The average dose should be 600-800mg daily in divided doses. If desired clinical outcome is achieved and side effects are troublesome, dosing may be reduced (100mg three times daily has proven to be effective in some patients).

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

• gastric discomfort
• heart burn
• nausea and vomiting
• taste disturbances
• hiccups
• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• dizziness
• speech problems
• eye disturbances
• tremor
• blurred vision
• low blood pressure
• palpitations
• skin reactions

Uncommon side effects

• ulceration
• confusion
• convulsions
• liver damage
• lung damage
• blood problems

For further information talk to your doctor.