Mexiletine. Use in control of chronic drug-resistant ventricular arrhythmia

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Abstract
The antiarrhythmic efficacy of mexiletine hydrochloride was studied in 10 patients with stable resistant ventricular ectopic activity in whom lidocaine, procainamide and other antiarrhythmic agents had no effect. Continuous Holter ECG tapes were analyzed before, during and after mexiletine. Orally administered mexiletine was very effective in treatment of drug-resistant ventricular arrhythmias, with total abolition of arrhythmia in 6 and satisfactory control in 2 other patients. Long-term follow-up confirmed maintenance of antiarrhythmic efficacy; biochemical and hematological screening showed no abnormalities. The long therapeutic half-life of the drug allowed convenient dosage schedule and good compliance. Its efficacy, low frequency of side effects and long half-life make it an agent of notable value in suppressing ventricular arrhythmias.

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