The drug has a bioavailability of 90%, and peak plasma concentrations are seen after 2–4 hours. The mean drug half-life is approximately 11 hours. Mexiletine is predominantly metabolised by the liver. The pharmacokinetics of mexiletine are preserved with even moderate to severe renal impairment, but dose adjustment may be required when creatinine clearance falls below 10 mL/minute. Synthesis
Society and culture
Mexiletine is available for human use in the US, and has been reintroduced in the UK as a licensed product, having previously only been available as a named patient import. The drug is sold under the trade name Mexitil for use in arrhythmias and NaMuscla for use in myotonia. Veterinary uses
Mexiletine is available to veterinarians in the US for the treatment of heart disease in dogs and cats. It is commonly used for the treatment of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in Boxer dogs in combination with sotalol. References
Further reading
Peck T, Hill S, Williams M, eds. (2004). Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-68794-2. External links
"Mexiletine". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Flunisolide (marketed as AeroBid among others) is a corticosteroid often prescribed as treatment for allergic rhinitis. Intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective medication for controlling symptoms. The principal mechanism of action of flunisolide is to activate glucocorticoid receptors, meaning it has an anti-inflammatory action. The effects of topical corticosteroids is not immediate and requires regular use and at least a few days to start experiencing noticeable symptom relief. As-needed use has been shown to be not as effective as regular recommended use. Flunisolide should not be used in the presence of nasal infection. It should not be continued if there is no relief of symptoms after regular use over two to three weeks. It was patented in 1958 and approved for medical use in 1978. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. Side effects
Temporary nose and throat dryness, irritation, bleeding or unpleasant taste or smell may occur. Nasal septum perforation is rarely reported. Rare, but localized infections of the nose and pharynx with Candida albicans have been reported and long-term use may raise the chance of cataracts or glaucoma.Flunisolide nasal spray is absorbed into the circulatory system (blood). Corticosteroid nasal sprays may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in humans. After the desired clinical effect is obtained, the maintenance dose should be reduced to the smallest amount necessary to control symptoms, which can be as low as 1 spray in each nostril a day. Utilizing the minimum effective dose will reduce possibility of side effects.