Generic

Gabapentin

Indications

Gabapentin is used to treat the following conditions:

Adjunctive treatment in partial and subsequent generalized seizures. Neuropathic pain.

Pharmacology

Gabapentin is a seizure medication. It’s a gamma-amino-butyric-acid structural analog (GABA). The parent compound’s activity is responsible for all pharmacological effects following Gabapentin treatment. Gabapentin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of the voltage-gated L-type Calcium channel, inhibiting branched chain amino acid transferase and likely inhibiting excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter release.

Dosage & Administration

Neuropathic Pain: The treatment may be initiated as a single 300 mg dose on Day-1, than 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.

Gabapentin can be taken orally with or without food.

Interaction

Gabapentin’s bioavailability can be reduced by as much as 20% when taken with antacids. Cimetidine’s reanal excretion may be affected. Gabapentin has no known interactions with other anti-epileptic drugs or oral contraceptives.

Contraindications

Gabapentin is not recommended for people who have a history of hypersensitivity to the medication.

Side Effect

It is possible to have fatigue, dizziness, ataxia, weight gain, peripheral edema, dry mouth, and somnolence.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Category C pregnancy. Only if the possible advantages outweigh the danger to the fetus should it be taken during pregnancy. Gabapentin is known to be released in breast milk. As a result, it should only be taken during breastfeeding if the possible advantages outweigh the danger to the infant.

Precautions & Warnings

Patients should be told to only take Gabapentin as directed. Patients should be advised not to drive a car or operate other complicated machinery while taking Gabapentin until they have had enough experience with the drug to determine whether it has a negative impact on their mental and/or motor function.

Therapeutic Class

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs

Storage Conditions

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

Pharmaceutical Name

Drug International Ltd.