Mexiletine Capsules for Dogs -150mg 1 count - [Anti-arrhythmia Drug]

Mexiletine is a class 1B, sodium channel blocker, anti-arrhythmia drug which is used to treat chronic ventricular arrhythmias in dogs. The mechanism of action is similar to lidocaine. Mexiletine is used to treat ventricular arrhythmias including PVC's and ventricular tachycardia. If an animal has responded well to lidocaine during an acute episode, it is likely to respond well to mexiletine. Mexiletine may be used to treat inherited cardiomyopathy in Boxers and dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman pinschers.

Key Benefits

• Sodium channel blocker similar to lidocaine
• Used to treat ventricular arrhythmias (PVC's and ventricular tachycardia) in dogs
• If monotherapy is not sufficient either atenolol or sotalol may be used in conjunction

How It Works

Mexiletine is well absorbed orally and has a bioavailability of approximately 85%. It is primarily excreted in the urine although approximately 10% is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the feces. The half-life of this drug may be prolonged in animals with reduced cardiac output, or after an acute myocardial infarction. The half-life may also be prolonged in animals with hepatic dysfunction or severe kidney disease.

Indications

Mexiletine Hydrochloride Capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of documented ventricular arrhythmias, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, that, in the judgment of the physician, are life- threatening. Because of the proarrhythmic effects of mexiletine, its use with lesser arrhythmias is generally not recommended. Treatment of patients with asymptomatic ventricular premature contractions should be avoided.

Initiation of mexiletine treatment, as with other antiarrhythmic agents used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias, should be carried out in the hospital.

Antiarrhythmic drugs have not been shown to enhance survival in patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

Side Effects:

The most common side effects are related to the GI tract including nausea and vomiting. Giving food with mexiletine has been shown to decrease the incidence of GI side effects. Other possible side effects include central nervous system signs such as dizziness, loss of balance and trembling, shortness of breath, and cardiac signs including PVCs or chest pain.

Precautions:

Before taking mexiletine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other heart problems (such as heart failure, slow heartbeat, previous heart attack), liver problems, seizure disorder. This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. However, this drug is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions:

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: caffeine, theophylline, drugs that may affect the acid level of urine (such as acetazolamide, sodium bicarbonate, large doses of vitamin C). Other medications can affect the removal of mexiletine from your body, which may affect how mexiletine works. Examples include cimetidine, fluvoxamine, propafenone, rifampin, anti-seizure drugs (such as phenytoin, phenobarbital), among others. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: drowsiness, confusion, fainting, seizures.

Note: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as EKG, blood pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage:

Store at room temperature between 68-77° F (20-25° C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.