mexiletine

Mexiletine is an orally active small molecule antiarrhythmic drug classified as a Class 1B antiarrhythmic agent. It is structurally similar to lidocaine and acts primarily by blocking fast voltage-gated sodium channels (notably the sodium channel protein type 5 subunit alpha) in cardiac myocytes and nerve cells, thereby inhibiting the inward sodium current during phase 0 of the cardiac action potential. This action shortens the action potential duration and refractory period, stabilizing cardiac rhythm. Mexiletine is used mainly for treating documented life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, especially when associated with long QT syndrome (notably LQT3). It may also be used off-label for chronic pain syndromes and muscle stiffness related to myotonic disorders[1][4][5][8].

Brand names

Mexitil

Other names

mexiletine hydrochloride