Mexiletine Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Mexiletine is a compounded formulation containing Mexiletine, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension
Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:
- Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
- Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
- Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
- Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
- Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
- Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
- Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
- Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.
The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient; your veterinarian determines whether and how they apply to your animal's treatment plan.
Mexiletine hydrochloride is a Class IB antiarrhythmic agent utilized in veterinary medicine for cardiovascular management. It is a prescription medication available for use in dogs, requiring professional guidance and monitoring by a licensed veterinarian. It is frequently considered in the context of heart health for patients presented with ventricular arrhythmias.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
At a pharmacological level, it is considered to influence the electrical stability of the heart by modulating the inward sodium current in cardiac membranes. Commonly observed effects include localized digestive changes such as vomiting or a temporary decrease in appetite and behavioral shifts like lethargy or coordination changes (ataxia). Because it influences cardiac rhythm, your veterinarian will monitor for observational signs of heart health through periodic ECGs. Owners should monitor for any unusual weakness or fainting episodes and contact their veterinarian promptly with any concerns.
Yes. Mexiletine is a prescription medication and requires a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab ensures all legal and professional standards are met before dispensing.
Yes. Mixlab specializes in compounding mexiletine into customized strengths and flavored oral formats, such as flavored oral liquids or capsules, to suit the specific needs of your dog.
Veterinarians discuss mexiletine because it is considered to influence the electrical signals that may contribute to irregular heartbeats. This provides a method for addressing the heart's rhythm in pets with specific arrhythmias.
Your veterinarian will recommend periodic ECGs (electrocardiograms) and check-ups to monitor the heart's physiological response. This monitoring ensures the management approach remains suitable for your pet.
Giving mexiletine with a meal can often help manage the risk of localized digestive upset. Your veterinarian will provide specific guidance on the most appropriate administration schedule for your dog.
