Mexitil MedFacts

Mexitil

Mexitil is used for:

Treating certain types of life-threatening irregular heartbeat.

Mexitil is an antiarrhythmic. It works by stabilizing the heart rhythm, which helps keep the heart from beating too fast or in an irregular rhythm.

Do NOT use Mexitil if:

• you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in Mexitil
• you have cardiogenic shock or second- or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block and do not have a pacemaker

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if any of the above applies to you.

Consider before using Mexitil

Medical Conditions

There are medical conditions that can influence usage of Mexitil . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• if you are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any medicine (either prescription or nonprescription), herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are allergic to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have other heart problems (eg, heart block or AV block, conductions problems), congestive heart failure, or a pacemaker
• if you have low blood pressure, liver problems, or a seizure disorder

Drugs Interaction

There are medicines that may interact with Mexitil . Inform your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, in particular any from the list below:

• Cimetidine because the side effects of Mexitil may be increased
• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), phenobarbital, or rifampin because the effectiveness of Mexitil may be decreased
• Caffeine, lidocaine, or theophylline because side effects may be increased by Mexitil

This is not a full list of all interactions that may occur. Clarify with your health care provider whether Mexitil may interact with other medicines you take. Also, consult your health care provider in advance if you are going to start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Mexitil Usage Guidelines

You should use Mexitil as recommended by your doctor. Read the medicine's label for precise dosing instructions.

• Take Mexitil with food or antacids.
• Take Mexitil regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Mexitil at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Do not stop using Mexitil even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Mexitil , take it as soon as you get it remembered. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Clarify with your health care provider any issues you may have about usage of Mexitil .

Important safety information on mexitil

• Mexitil may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Mexitil . Using Mexitil alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Mexitil without checking with your doctor.
• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Mexitil .
• LAB TESTS, including liver and heart function, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Mexitil with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Mexitil , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Mexitil during pregnancy. Mexitil is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Mexitil .

Side effects may be caused by Mexitil

Any medicine may cause side effects, but the majority of people have either slight side effects, or dont have it at all. Consult your doctor if any of the most COMMON side effects from the list below persist or start bothering you:

Blurred vision; clumsiness; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness; headache; heartburn; incoordination; nausea; nervousness; stomach discomfort; tremor; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision problems; chest pain; fainting; fever; irregular, fast, or slow heartbeat; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; severe stomach pain; sore throat; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

It sholud be noted, that this is not a full list of possible side effects. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; fainting; heart attack; seizures; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; severe nausea and vomiting; severe slow or irregular heartbeat; unusual numbness or tingling.

Mexitil storage instructions:

Store Mexitil below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Mexitil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions on Mexitil , please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
• Mexitil is supposed to be used only by the patient it is prescribed to. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or even become worse, inform your doctor.

This article is a summary only, and it does not provide all the information about Mexitil . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.