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Journal of Pediatric Neurology
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778102
Review Article

Use of Mexiletine in Children: A Minireview

Catherine Sarret 
1   Centre de Référence Maladies Rares des Pathologies Neuromusculaires, Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
,
Sarah Barrière
1   Centre de Référence Maladies Rares des Pathologies Neuromusculaires, Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
2   Centre de Compétence Maladies Rares des Epilepsies, Service de Pédiatrie et Service de Néonatalogie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
,
Ganaelle Remerand
2   Centre de Compétence Maladies Rares des Epilepsies, Service de Pédiatrie et Service de Néonatalogie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
,
Grégoire Massoullie
3   Centre de Compétence Maladies Rares des Malformations Cardiaques Complexes, Service de Cardiologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
,
Aurélie Chalard
3   Centre de Compétence Maladies Rares des Malformations Cardiaques Complexes, Service de Cardiologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
,
Claire Dauphin
3   Centre de Compétence Maladies Rares des Malformations Cardiaques Complexes, Service de Cardiologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
,
Bénédicte Pontier
1   Centre de Référence Maladies Rares des Pathologies Neuromusculaires, Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
,
Fanny Laffargue
1   Centre de Référence Maladies Rares des Pathologies Neuromusculaires, Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Abstract

Mexiletine is well-established sodium channel blocker that acts on cardiac myocytes and neurons. It has recently been repositioned as an orphan drug in the treatment of rare neuromuscular diseases in adults with nondystrophic myotonia. It has also long been used in some rare pediatric diseases in the areas of cardiopathy, epilepsy, neuromuscular diseases, and pain disorders. Here, we review the different uses of mexiletine reported in pediatrics, stating indications, efficacy, and tolerance. Special attention by health authorities to maintain access to mexiletine in rare pediatric diseases and further pediatric research in these rare syndromes are required.

Keywords

mexiletine - children - long QT syndrome - nondystrophic myotonia - myotonic dystrophy - erythromelalgia - epilepsy


Publication History

Received: 22 June 2023

Accepted: 03 December 2023

Article published online:
16 January 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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