ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/mexiletine
US brand names:Mexitil
Mexiletine is dosed at 4–8 mg/kg PO q8h in dogs, per Bonagura JD, Keene BW. Drugs for treatment of heart failure in dogs. In: Elsevier; 2014:762-772. PMID: 42115057; Meurs KM. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy in the Boxer Dog: An Update. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2017;47(5):1103-1111. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.04.007; Gelzer ARM, Kraus MS, Rishniw M, Hemsley SA, Moise NS. Combination therapy with mexiletine and sotalol suppresses inherited ventricular arrhythmias in German shepherd dogs better than mexiletine or sotalol monotherapy: A randomized cross-over study. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology. 2010;12:93-106. doi:10.1016/j.jvc.2010.06.001 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.906 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Blocks fast sodium channels, reducing phase 0 depolarization in ventricular myocytes. Shortens action potential duration.
Often used in combination with sotalol or atenolol for refractory ventricular arrhythmias. GI side effects (give with food). Monitor ECG. Dogs primarily.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
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| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 4–8 mg/kg | q8h | Moderate | Bonagura JD, Keene BW. Drugs for treatment of heart failure in dogs. In: Elsevier; 2014:762-772. PMID: 42115057; Meurs KM. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy in the Boxer Dog: An Update. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2017;47(5):1103-1111. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.04.007; Gelzer ARM, Kraus MS, Rishniw M, Hemsley SA, Moise NS. Combination therapy with mexiletine and sotalol suppresses inherited ventricular arrhythmias in German shepherd dogs better than mexiletine or sotalol monotherapy: A randomized cross-over study. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology. 2010;12:93-106. doi:10.1016/j.jvc.2010.06.001 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.906 (2026-08-01). |
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