Mexiletine Capsules

What is this medication?

MEXILETINE (mex IL e teen) treats a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It works by slowing down overactive electric signals in the heart, which stabilizes your heart rhythm. It belongs to a group of medications called antiarrhythmics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mexitil

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Liver disease
• Other heart problems
• Previous heart attack
• An unusual or allergic reaction to mexiletine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is recommended that you take this medication with food or an antacid. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Dofetilide

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Caffeine
• Cimetidine
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Medications to control heart rhythm
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• Theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored closely when you first begin therapy. Often, this medication is first started in a hospital or other monitored health care setting. Once you are on maintenance therapy, visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Because your condition and use of this medication carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications, and care team.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• Seizures
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Tremors or shaking
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.