mexiletine hydrochloride /mek′silē″tin/ , an oral antiarrhythmic drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for the treatment of symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias and suppression of premature ventricular contractions. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is contraindicated in patients with cardiogenic shock or preexisting second- or third-degree atrioventricular block in the absence of a pacemaker. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among adverse effects reported are upper GI distress, light-headedness, tremor, loss of coordination, diarrhea, sleep disorders, headache, visual disturbances, and palpitations.
