What is mexiletine used for?
Mexiletine belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics. It is used to correct irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm. Mexiletine produces its helpful effects by slowing nerve impulses in the heart and making the heart tissue less sensitive. Mexiletine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Is mexiletine still on the market?
MEXITIL (mexiletine hydrochloride) capsules, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg, are currently listed in the “Discontinued Drug Product List” section of the Orange Book.
Can mexiletine be used for nerve pain?
Evidence-Based Answer. Intravenous lidocaine and oral mexiletine provide a modest reduction in neuropathic pain with no indication of serious adverse effects. However, safety data are limited because most studies were of relatively short duration and fewer than 400 patients have been studied in total for each drug.
What is the side effects of mexiletine?
Mexiletine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- 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.
Is mexiletine the same as lidocaine?
Mexiletine is a primary amine, similar to lidocaine but with pharmacokinetics suiting it for oral use.
Is mexiletine a lidocaine?
Mexiletine is an oral analog of intravenous lidocaine (both class IB antiarrhythmia drugs) that shares the ability to block the sodium channel.
Why was mexiletine discontinued?
However, mexiletine treatment had to be discontinued permanently in 8 of 92 patients (9%) because of intolerable side effects. We conclude that the added efficacy and possible improved arrhythmia-free survival associated with combining mexiletine with a class Ia agent should be further investigated.
What is an alternative to mexiletine?
Tocainide (Tonocard – Astra) is a new antiarrhythmic agent. Like mexiletine, it is chemically related to lignocaine and is active by mouth.
What is the alternative to mexiletine?
What is a substitute for mexiletine?
How long does it take for mexiletine to work?
Mexiletine typically starts to work 2 or 3 hours after you take a dose. If you are in the hospital, you might get you a higher “loading dose” so that the medication kicks in faster.
What is the brand name of mexiletine?
Mexiletine (INN) (sold under the brand names Mexitil and Namuscla) is a medication used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, chronic pain, and some causes of muscle stiffness. Common side effects include abdominal pain, chest discomfort, drowsiness, headache, and nausea.