Mexiletine Overview and Clinical Uses

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Questions and Answers

What is Mexiletine (Mexitil)?

  • Class IB antiarrhythmics (correct)
  • Class IA antiarrhythmics
  • Class IC antiarrhythmics
  • Non-selective beta blocker

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?

<p>It can be given orally or as an injection, in small doses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the side effects (SDEx) of Mexiletine?

<p>Dizziness, heartburn, nausea, nervousness, trembling, unsteadiness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is available to veterinarians in the US for treating heart disease in dogs and cats?

<p>Mexiletine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

For what additional conditions can Mexiletine be given to patients?

<p>Refractory pain and muscle stiffness from myotonic dystrophy or nondystrophic myotonias.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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