Mexiletine is an effective antimyotonia treatment in myotonic dystrophy type 1.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine if mexiletine is safe and effective in reducing myotonia in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1).

Background

Myotonia is an early, prominent symptom in DM1 and contributes to decreased dexterity, gait instability, difficulty with speech/swallowing, and muscle pain. A few preliminary trials have suggested that the antiarrhythmic drug mexiletine is useful, symptomatic treatment for nondystrophic myotonic disorders and DM1.

Methods

We performed 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trials, each involving 20 ambulatory DM1 participants with grip or percussion myotonia on examination. The initial trial compared 150 mg of mexiletine 3 times daily to placebo, and the second trial compared 200 mg of mexiletine 3 times daily to placebo. Tre

SUBMITTER: Logigian EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2871004 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature