Mexiletine

Mexiletine

Clinical data
Pregnancy category	AU: B1
Routes of administration	Oral, IV
ATC code	C01BB02 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	UK: POM (Prescription only)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	90%
Protein binding	50-60%
Metabolism	Hepatic (CYP2D6 and 1A2- mediated)
Elimination half-life	10-12 hours
Excretion	Renal (10%)
Identifiers
IUPAC name 1-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)propan-2-amine
CAS Number	31828-71-4
PubChem CID	4178
DrugBank	APRD00242
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID8048446
ECHA InfoCard	100.046.190
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C11H17NO
Molar mass	179.259 g/mol g·mol−1

Mexiletine (INN, sold under the trade name Mexitil) belongs to the Class IB anti-arrhythmic group of medicines. It is used to treat arrhythmias within the heart - or seriously irregular heartbeats. It slows nerve impulses in the heart and makes the heart tissue less sensitive. Dizziness, heartburn, nausea, nervousness, trembling, unsteadiness are common side effects. It is available in injection and capsule form. It is no longer available in the United States.

Class IB antiarrhythmics decrease action potential duration by shortening the repolarization phase. This is achieved by blocking sodium channels[1].

Mexiletine may also be of use in patients experiencing refractory pain. (Sweetman, 2002) and is also effective for treating muscle stiffness resulting from myotonia congenita (Thomsen disease)

External links

• MedlinePlus Drug Information: Mexiletine

References

• Peck T (2004). Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (2nd ed. ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-68794-2. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Sweetman S (ed.) (2002). Martindale: The complete drug reference (33rd ed. ed.). London: Pharmaceutical Press. ISBN 0-85369-499-0. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help); |edition= has extra text (help)