Search Suggest

Gabapentin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Generic Name
Gabapentin
Therapeutic Class: Anti Convulsant/Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs

Indications:
Gabapentin is indicated for-
  • Neuropathic Pain.
  • Adjunctive therapy in partial seizure and secondary generalized seizure.
Presentation:
Gabapentin 100: Each film coated tablet contains Gabapentin USP 100 mg.
Gabapentin 300: Each film coated tablet contains Gabapentin USP 300 mg.

Description:
Gabapentin is an anti-convulsant. It is a structural analog of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). All pharmacological actions following the administration of Gabapentin are due to the activity of the parent compound. Gabapentin binds with the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated L-type Calcium channel, and inhibits branched-chain amino acid transferase & probably inhibits neurotransmitter release of excitatory amino acid.

Dosage & Administration:
Neuropathic Pain: The treatment may be initiated as a single 300 mg dose on Day-1, then 300 mg twice on Day-2 and 300 mg thrice on Day-3. The dose can be subsequently be titrated up as needed for pain relief to a daily dose of 1800 mg (divided TID).

Epilepsy:
Patients over 12 years of age: the effective dose of Gabapentin is 900 to 1800 mg/day given in three divided doses. The starting dose is 300 mg three times a day.
Paediatric patients age 3-12 year: the starting dose should range from 10-15 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses, and the effective dose reached by upward titration over a period of approximately three days.

Administration
Gabapentin can be taken orally with or without food.

Interaction:
Antacids may reduce the bioavailability of Gabapentin by up to 20 %. Cimetidine may alter its renal excretion. Gabapentin does not interact with other anti-epileptic drugs or with oral contraceptive preparations.

Contraindications:
Gabapentin is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to the drug.

Side Effects:
Fatigue, Dizziness, ataxia, weight gain, peripheral edema, dry mouth and somnolence may occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy category C. it should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefits justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Gabapentin may be secreted through the breast milk. So it should be used during lactation only if potential benefits justifies the potential risk to the baby.

Precautions & Warnings:
Patients should be instructed to take Gabapentin only as prescribed. While using Gabapentin patients should be instructed either not to drive a car or to operate other complex machinery until they have gained sufficient experiences about Gabapentin whether or not it affects their mental and/or motor performance adversely.

Use in Special Populations:
In case of renal impaired patients Gabapentin doses must be reduced.

Storage:
 Below 25°C Store temperature. Protect from light and moisture. Keep all the medicines out of the reach of the children.

Post a Comment

if you have any doudts.please let me know