Questions and Answers
What is Mexiletine (Mexitil)?
What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of Mexiletine?
It slows conduction in the heart and decreases action potential frequency by lengthening the depolarization phase.
What are the uses of Mexiletine?
Ventricular dysrhythmias, WPW syndrome, digoxin toxicity.
How can we administer Mexiletine to patients?
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What are the side effects (SDEx) of Mexiletine?
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Which drug is available to veterinarians in the US for treating heart disease in dogs and cats?
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For what additional conditions can Mexiletine be given to patients?
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Study Notes
Mexiletine Overview
- Mexiletine, marketed as Mexitil, is a Class IB antiarrhythmic medication.
- It functions as a non-selective voltage-gated sodium channel blocker, similar to lidocaine.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
- Primarily used for treating arrhythmias and irregular heartbeats.
- Slows down electrical conduction in the heart, reducing sensitivity of heart tissue.
- Class IB antiarrhythmics work by decreasing action potential frequency and lengthening the depolarization phase.
Clinical Uses
- Indicated for ventricular dysrhythmias.
- Effective for Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome and digoxin toxicity.
Administration
- Administer in small doses to patients, as it is dose-related.
- Available in oral (PO) capsules and injectable forms.
Side Effects
- Common side effects include dizziness, heartburn, nausea, nervousness, trembling, and unsteadiness.
Veterinary Use
- Mexiletine is utilized in veterinary medicine in the US for treating heart disease in dogs and cats.
Additional Applications
- May assist in managing refractory pain and muscle stiffness.
- Effective for conditions like myotonic dystrophy (Steinert's disease) and nondystrophic myotonias, including myotonia congenita (Thomsen disease, Becker disease).
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Description
This quiz covers the overview, mechanism of action, clinical uses, and administration of Mexiletine, a Class IB antiarrhythmic medication. Learn about its effects on arrhythmias, side effects, and its veterinary applications. Test your knowledge on this essential medication in cardiology and veterinary medicine.
