Does your heart sometimes beat faster than usual? Or does it feel like it's beating out of control? Mexiletine is a special medicine that doctors prescribe to control such heart rhythm disorders, or more precisely, heart rhythm arrhythmias . If this medicine has been prescribed for you, it is very important to know exactly what it is. So today, let's talk briefly about this medicine, its action, side effects, and things to be careful about while using it.
What kind of medicine is Mexiletine?
Simply put, Mexiletine is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs that restore the heart's rhythm, that is, antiarrhythmic drugs. Our heart beats with a very delicate system of electrical signals. Sometimes these electrical signals become too active, too fast, and disrupt the heart's rhythm.
Mexiletine works by controlling some of those overactive electrical signals and slowing them down. The heart's irregular rhythm is then stabilized and restored to normal. This is a very important function.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before prescribing this medication to you, your doctor will ask you a few questions. However, there are some things you should definitely tell your doctor. This information will determine the dosage you will be given, and how you will be monitored.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them:
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Other heart diseases: If there are other heart diseases (for example, if you have a heart attack, if there is a problem with the heart valves) in addition to this heart rhythm arrhythmia.
- Allergy to Mexiletine or other substances: If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Mexiletine, another medicine, a food, or certain dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is very important.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: This medication can pass to your baby through breast milk, so you should tell your doctor about this as well.
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly when using this medicine.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- To reduce stomach upset, it is best to take this medicine with a meal or an antacid. Ask your doctor about this.
- Take the prescribed dose at the time your doctor prescribes. If you are told to take it three times a day, try to take it at the same time every 8 hours.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly for any reason without consulting your doctor. Doing so may worsen your condition.
- Special care may be required when using this medicine in children, so talk to your doctor about that as well.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
This is an emergency. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital without delay.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. It has been specially formulated for your condition. Therefore, never share this medicine with anyone else.
Other drugs that may interact with Mexiletine
Other medications you are taking can affect the way Mexiletine works. Mexiletine can also affect the way other medications work. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Things that may interact with Mexiletine | |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken together: | |
| Dofetilide (another heart rhythm control medicine) | |
| Other drugs and substances that may interact: | |
| Caffeine | Contains tea, coffee, and some sweetened drinks |
| Cimetidine | A medicine for stomach inflammation and gastritis |
| Medications for depression and anxiety | (Medications for depression, anxiety) |
| Phenobarbital, Phenytoin | Medicines for seizures |
| Rifampin | An antibiotic for tuberculosis |
| Theophylline | A medicine for asthma |
This list is not complete. So if you smoke or drink alcohol, tell your doctor about that too.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Initial observation: This medication is usually started in a hospital or health center where you can be closely monitored to see how your body responds to the medication.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medication may make you feel a little drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
- Avoid getting up too quickly: Don't get up suddenly from sitting or lying down. Especially if you are elderly. If you do, you may feel dizzy and fall. Get up slowly.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make you feel dizzy and your heart rate may increase. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
Special attention: serious skin allergies
Serious skin reactions may occur several weeks or even months after you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you get a red or purple rash with fever or cold-like symptoms, if the rash turns into blisters and the skin peels off, or if you get a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. This may be a serious condition.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Mexiletine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately |
|---|
|
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist |
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Take-Home Message
- Mexiletine is a very important medication that controls heart rhythm. So before starting this, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
- Avoid risky activities as dizziness and drowsiness may occur while taking the medicine. Avoid alcohol completely.
- If you experience symptoms such as a rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes while using the medicine, it could be a sign of a serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately.
- If you suspect an overdose, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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