the Effects of Mugadine on Heart Rhythm and Liver Health - Pharmacology

Dr. Huang Yicheng reply Pharmacology

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Mugadine is the brand name produced by the domestic pharmaceutical company Yongxin, with the generic name Mexiletine.
It is primarily used for ventricular arrhythmias.
The most common side effects include upper gastrointestinal discomfort (such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain), tremors, dizziness, and coordination difficulties (unsteady gait); these reactions are usually mild and dose-related, and can be alleviated by taking the medication with food, antacids, or milk (to reduce gastric irritation), dose reduction, or discontinuation.
When starting this medication, the body typically requires some time to adjust, and the dosage should be adjusted to the most appropriate level as directed by a physician.
Some individuals may experience drowsiness, dizziness, numbness, and visual disturbances (double vision), so extra caution should be exercised when driving or operating hazardous machinery until they have adapted to the effects of the medication.
Other possible side effects include diarrhea, constipation, tremors, anxiety, changes in sleep patterns, headaches, weakness, tinnitus, palpitations/chest pain, etc.; if symptoms persist and cause concern, it is important to inform a physician.
Since Mexiletine is metabolized in the liver, although the excretion time may be prolonged in cases of liver dysfunction, significant liver toxicity is rare unless in patients with severe liver disease or renal failure, who may require dose reduction and close monitoring or discontinuation.
However, if any symptoms of liver or blood cell damage occur, such as unexplained fatigue, jaundice, fever, or sore throat, the physician should be notified.
If any of the following occur, please contact your physician promptly: chest pain, bradycardia or tachycardia (palpitations), shortness of breath, tongue numbness, cyanosis, and very rare occurrences of generalized seizures, fever/chills, or abnormal bleeding or bruising.
Please follow your physician's instructions to take the medication with meals or with antacids, and do not take it with any beverages other than plain water.
Do not change the dosage or discontinue the medication without your physician's consent, and be cautious with dietary changes (which may cause significant fluctuations in urine pH, affecting drug absorption).
It is essential to take this medication on time; if possible, the best method is to take it at regular intervals each day, for example, three times a day every 8 hours.
If you forget to take a dose and it has been less than 4 hours, take it immediately and continue with the regular schedule; if it has been more than 4 hours, do not take the missed dose to avoid overdose, and continue with the regular schedule.
Respectfully submitted by Huang Yi-Cheng, pharmacist at Hualien Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

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Reply Date: 2004/09/10