Mexiletine

Definition

Mexiletine is a Class IB antiarrhythmic medication used to treat ventricular arrhythmias. It works by blocking sodium channels in the cardiac cells, stabilizing the cardiac membrane and reducing abnormal electrical activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mexiletine is primarily used for the management of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
2. It has an oral bioavailability of approximately 90%, making it effective when taken orally.
3. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and vomiting, and central nervous system effects like dizziness and tremor.
4. Mexiletine is metabolized in the liver and has a half-life of about 10-12 hours, necessitating multiple doses per day for effective treatment.
5. The therapeutic range for mexiletine serum levels is generally between 0.5 to 2 mcg/mL.

Review Questions

• What class of antiarrhythmic drugs does mexiletine belong to?
• What are common side effects associated with mexiletine?
• How does mexiletine achieve its therapeutic effect on cardiac cells?

Related terms

Sodium Channel Blockers: A class of medications that inhibit sodium influx in cardiac cells, used to treat arrhythmias.

Ventricular Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms originating from the ventricles.

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Medications used to treat irregular heartbeats or dysrhythmias.