mexiletine-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, liver disease, history of seizures, any allergies- especially allergies to amide- type anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, tocainamide) or other drugs. Mexiletine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Mexiletine is excreted into breast milk. Because the possibility of harm to nursing infants exists, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially: rifampin, theophylline, caffeine, fluvoxamine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, metoclopramide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, ammonium chloride. Smoking can decrease the effects of this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, low blood pressure, slow pulse, tingling in fingers or toes, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Your doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take this medication. Learn how to monitor your pulse. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
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