Type of medicine: antiarrhythmic (treats irregular heartbeat)
Generic and brand names: mexiletine, oral
This medicine is taken by mouth to correct an irregular heartbeat. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less of it or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take this medicine with food.
This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in your body. Take the medicine at the same time every day in evenly spaced doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, seizures, numbness, tingling, drowsiness, confusion, tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, slow or irregular heartbeat, coma.
This medicine is used to treat only a serious irregular heartbeat because it can cause severe or life-threatening side effects, including a new irregular heartbeat. You will be monitored closely while taking this medicine.
Check your heart rate (pulse) and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Contact your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if you notice a change in your heart rate.
Your healthcare provider may want to see you regularly to determine how well the medicine is working. Keep all appointments.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain, increased swelling in legs and feet, worsening of irregular heartbeat, pounding in the chest, severe fatigue, trouble breathing, unusual bruising or bleeding, chills, cough, fever, sore throat, mouth sores or ulcers, yellowing of the skin or eyes; severe or continued vomiting or diarrhea; seizures.
Other: Blurred vision, confusion, nervousness, headache, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, nausea, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, ringing in ears, dizziness, stomach pain, tremor, trouble sleeping, unusual taste sensation, vomiting, dry mouth.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Many more medicines may interact with this medicine. Be sure that you tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, especially those prescribed by other healthcare providers.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
