Mexiletine

Mexiletine

Systematic (IUPAC) name
(RS)-1-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)propan-2-amine OR 2-(2-aminopropoxy)-1,3-dimethylbenzene
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com	monograph
MedlinePlus	a607064
Pregnancy cat.	B1 (AU) C (US)
Legal status	POM (UK)
Routes	Oral, IV
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	90%
Protein binding	50-60%
Metabolism	Hepatic (CYP2D6 and 1A2- mediated)
Half-life	10-12 hours
Excretion	Renal (10%)
Identifiers
CAS number	31828-71-4 Y
ATC code	C01BB02
PubChem	CID 4178
IUPHAR ligand	2629
DrugBank	DB00379
ChemSpider	4034 Y
UNII	1U511HHV4Z Y
KEGG	D08215 Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:6916 Y
ChEMBL	CHEMBL558 Y
Chemical data
Formula	C11H17NO
Mol. mass	179.259 g/mol
SMILES	eMolecules & PubChem
InChI InChI=1S/C11H17NO/c1-8-5-4-6-9(2)11(8)13-7-10(3)12/h4-6,10H,7,12H2,1-3H3 Y Key:VLPIATFUUWWMKC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y
Y (what is this?)  (verify)

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 conduction 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.

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

Mexiletine may also be of use in patients experiencing refractory pain and is also effective for treating muscle stiffness resulting from myotonia congenita (Thomsen disease) or myotonic dystrophy (Steinert's disease).

Further reading

• Peck T; Hill S, Williams M (eds.) (2004). Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-68794-2. 

External links

• MedlinePlus Drug Information: Mexiletine