Generic Mextil, capsules

Chemical Name: MEXILETINE

Common uses

This medicine is an anti-arrhythmic used to treat an irregular heartbeat.

Before using

Warning: this medicine sometimes produces new irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking rifampin, theophyllines, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with food or an antacid. Take this medicine with a full glass (8 oz./240 ml) of water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. 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 once.

Cautions

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine 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 this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, constipation, dizziness, nervousness, or blurred vision. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience tremors; lightheadedness; fever; sore throat; or irregular, fast, or slow heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, low blood pressure, slow pulse, tingling in fingers or toes, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.