Drug Uses
Mextil is used in the treatment of severe irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) which can be life threatening if left untreated.
How it is taken
Mextil can be taken by mouth with or without food to avoid an upset stomach. You may also take an antacid with it.
Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.
The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Mextil then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Low blood pressure, nausea, fainting, severe dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures, heart problems and even coma are some of the symptoms of a Mexitil overdose. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have other heart problems (eg, heart block or AV block, conductions problems), congestive heart failure, or a pacemaker, if you have low blood pressure, liver problems, or a seizure disorder,
may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.
You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have cardiogenic shock or second– or third–degree atrioventricular (AV) block and do not have a pacemaker
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately.
It is unknown whether Mextil is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.
Mextil should be used with utmost caution in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.
Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Mextil before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.
Periodic lab tests including liver and heart function may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.
It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are Blurred vision, clumsiness, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, heartburn, incoordination, nausea, nervousness, stomach discomfort, tremor, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.
Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blurred vision or other vision problems, chest pain, fainting, fever, irregular, fast, or slow heartbeat, severe dizziness or lightheadedness, severe stomach pain, sore throat, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.
