Mexilitene use in pregnancy.
Mexilitene, a class 1b antiarrhythmic, was used throughout an entire pregnancy to treat symptomatic premature ventricular contractions in a patient with mitral valve prolapse. Cord blood and maternal serum mexilitene levels at the time of delivery are given. The following conclusions were reached. (1) Mexilitene may have a future in treating pregnant patients with arrhythmias unresponsive to currently approved antiarrhythmic drugs. (2) Evidence to date has shown no adverse affects in infants of mothers breast-feeding while taking mexilitene. (3) Dosages need to be monitored carefully during pregnancy and the postpartum period to ensure that therapeutic drug levels are maintained.
Gregg
A R
AR
Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maywood, IL 60153.
Tomich
P G
PG
D000328:Adult; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006801:Humans; D008801:Mexiletine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*
D008801:Mexiletine