Mexiletine belongs to the class of medications called antiarrhythmics. It is used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms. It works by affecting nerve signals in the cells of the heart, which helps the heart beat more regularly.

Teva Mexiletine may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Teva Mexiletine may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Teva Mexiletine may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Teva Mexiletine for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Teva Mexiletine, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Teva Mexiletine without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Teva Mexiletine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Teva Mexiletine if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual starting dose of mexiletine is 200 mg 3 times daily. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 1,200 mg daily, given in 3 or 4 divided doses. Most people will respond at a daily dose of 600 mg to 900 mg. The dose varies depending on the person's needs and the way they respond to and tolerate the medication.

Mexiletine should be taken with plenty of liquid, food, or an antacid.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Teva Mexiletine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Teva Mexiletine at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Teva Mexiletine. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Teva Mexiletine with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Teva Mexiletine. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• appetite changes
• changed sleep habits
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dry Mouth
• fatigue
• headache
• heartburn
• lightheadedness
• nausea
• nervousness
• rash
• unusual prickling or burning sensations
• weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain
• changes in thoughts or behaviour
• chest pain
• confusion
• coordination problems
• new abnormal heart rhythms (fast, pounding heartbeat)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• symptoms of Depression (e.g., loss of interest in activities, appetite changes, sleep changes, feeling hopeless)
• symptoms of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, swelling of the hands and feet)
• trembling
• vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• signs of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., Hives, peeling or blistering skin, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat)
• signs of a severe skin reaction (e.g., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with Fever or discomfort)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Teva Mexiletine.

100 mg
Each hard gelatin capsule with opaque scarlet cap and opaque orange body, with "N" and "100" imprinted on opposing cap and body portions of the capsule, contains 100 mg of mexiletine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Red No. 33, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, magnesium stearate, parabens, pregelatinized starch, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, and Yellow No. 6. Gluten- and tartrazine-free.

200 mg
Each scarlet hard gelatin capsule, with "N" and "200" imprinted on opposing cap and body portions of the capsule, contains 200 mg of mexiletine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Red No. 33, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, magnesium stearate, parabens, pregelatinized starch, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and titanium dioxide. Gluten- and tartrazine-free.

Do not use Teva Mexiletine if you:

• are allergic to mexiletine or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to amide anaesthetics
• have cardiogenic shock
• have second- or third-degree heart block (without a pacemaker)

There may be an interaction between mexiletine and any of the following:

• Bupropion
• Bromazepam
• caffeine
• cannabis
• Clozapine
• Cobicistat
• Duloxetine
• etravirine
• Lacosamide
• Leflunomide
• melatonin
• Metoclopramide
• Olanzapine
• other medications used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (e.g., Amiodarone, lidocaine, quinidine, procainamide, Propafenone, Disopyramide)
• Pentoxifylline
• Phenytoin
• Propranolol
• quinine
• Rasagiline
• Ropinirole
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Fluvoxamine, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Citalopram, Escitalopram)
• Teriflunomide
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Tizanidine
• tobacco (smoked)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Clomipramine, Desipramine, Imipramine)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Teva Mexiletine. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.