How does mexiletine work for myotonia?
Mexiletine works by slowing the rate of movement of sodium ions into muscle cells, reducing or eliminating the tendency of the muscle to maintain a prolonged contraction. This enables the muscle cell to relax properly and be ready for the next contraction.
How long does mexiletine take to work?
When rapid control of ventricular arrhythmia is essential, an initial loading dose of 400 mg of Mexiletine hydrochloride may be administered, followed by a 200 mg dose in eight hours. Onset of therapeutic effect is usually observed within 30 minutes to two hours.
What causes myotonia congenita?
What causes myotonia congenita? This disease is caused by mutations in the gene for a chloride channel that’s necessary for shutting off the electrical excitation that causes muscle contraction.
What are the side effects of mexiletine?
Mexiletine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- heartburn.
- changes in appetite.
- lightheadedness or dizziness.
- shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control.
- loss of coordination.
- numbness or tingling sensation.
What are side effects of mexiletine?
Is mexiletine a beta blocker?
Although β-blocker therapy is standard for most patients, concomitant therapy with sodium channel blockers, like mexiletine, is often utilized for patients with sodium channel–mediated type 3 long QT syndrome (LQT3).
What does mexiletine do to the body?
Mexiletine is used to treat certain types of ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Mexiletine is in a class of medications called antiarrhythmics. It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart to stabilize the heart rhythm.
What happens if you take too much mexiletine?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, drowsiness, confusion, feeling lightheaded, seizures, loss of consciousness, and a worsening irregular heartbeat.