Brand Names

How to Use

Take mexiletine exactly as directed by your family doctor , even though you may feel well. Do not take more drug than ordered.

To lessen the possibility of stomach upset, mexiletine must be taken with food or immediately after meals or with milk or an antacid.

This drug works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night . For example, if you are to take 3 doses a day, the doses must be spaced about 8 hours apart. If this interferes with your sleep or other daily activities, or if you need help in planning the best times to take your drug, check with your health care professional.

Dosage

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the drug.

• For oral dosage form - capsules:
  • For irregular heartbeat - arrhythmias:
    • Adults At first, 200 milligrams - mg every eight hours. Then, your family doctor may raise or lower your dose as needed.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug and remember within 4 hours, take it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.