Recommended dosage Mexitil

Consumer Information (PDR)

Treatment is usually begun in the hospital.

ADULTS

The dosage of Mexitil will be adjusted to your individual needs on the basis of your response to the drug.

The usual starting dose is 200 milligrams every 8 hours when quick control of an irregular heartbeat is not necessary. Your doctor may adjust the dose by 50 or 100 milligrams up or down every 2 to 3 days.

Most people will do well on 200 to 300 milligrams taken every 8 hours with food or antacids. If you do not, your doctor may raise your dose to 400 milligrams every 8 hours. You should not take more than 1,200 milligrams in a day.

When fast relief is needed, your doctor may start you on 400 milligrams of Mexitil, followed by 200 milligrams in 8 hours. You should see the effects of Mexitil within 30 minutes to 2 hours.

In general, people with reduced kidney function are prescribed the usual doses of Mexitil, but those with severe liver disease may require lower doses and will be monitored closely.

Some people who handle Mexitil well may be transferred to a 12-hour dosage schedule that will make it easier and more convenient to take Mexitil. If you do well on a Mexitil dose of 300 milligrams or less every 8 hours, your doctor may decide to divide the daily total into 2 doses taken every 12 hours.

CHILDREN

The safety and efficacy of Mexitil have not been established in children.

OLDER ADULTS

Dosages will be adjusted according to the individual's needs.

Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)

Take mexiletine exactly as directed by your doctor , even though you may feel well. Do not take more medicine than ordered.

To lessen the possibility of stomach upset, mexiletine should be taken with food or immediately after meals or with milk or an antacid.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night . For example, if you are to take 3 doses a day, the doses should be spaced about 8 hours apart. If this interferes with your sleep or other daily activities, or if you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

Dosing—The dose of mexiletine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of mexiletine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias):
    • Adults—At first, 200 milligrams (mg) every eight hours. Then, your doctor may raise or lower your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine and remember within 4 hours, take it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.