Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, Pharm.D.
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, M.D.
GENERIC NAME: gabapentin
BRAND NAME: Neurontin, Gabarone
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that is used
for preventing seizures and for treating postherpetic neuralgia. The mechanism
of action of gabapentin is not known. Gabapentin structurally resembles the
neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is possible that this
similarity is related to gabapentin's mechanism of action. In animal models used
for testing the anticonvulsant and analgesic activity of drugs, gabapentin
prevents seizures and reduces pain-related responses. The FDA approved
gabapentin in December 1993.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS:
- Capsules: 100, 300, and 400 mg.
- Tablets: 100, 300, 400,
600, and 800 mg.
- Solution: 250 mg/5 ml
STORAGE: Tablets and capsules should be stored between 15-30 C
(59-86 F). Gabapentin solution should be refrigerated between 2-8 C (36-46 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Gabapentin is approved for treating seizure disorders
and nerve damage from herpes zoster (shingles, postherpetic neuralgia). There
are many non-approved uses for gabapentin. These include
alcohol withdrawal,
cocaine withdrawal, hiccups, restless leg syndrome, hyperhidrosis,
headaches,
diabetic neuropathy, hot flashes, and fibromyalgia.
DOSING: Gabapentin may be taken with or without food. The recommended
dose for postherpetic neuralgia is 1800 mg daily in 3 divided doses. The initial
dose of 300 mg daily is increased over several days to the recommended daily
dose. Seizures are treated with 900-1800 mg/daily in 3 divided doses. Withdrawal
of treatment should occur slowly over a week.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Antacids reduce the concentration of gabapentin in
blood. Therefore, gabapentin should be administered 2 hours or more after taking
antacids. Morphine significantly increases blood concentrations of gabapentin
and may increase central nervous system-related adverse events associated with
gabapentin.
PREGNANCY: Safety in pregnancy has not been established.
NURSING MOTHERS: Gabapentin is secreted in human
breast milk. Nursing
mothers should only use gabapentin if the benefits outweigh the unknown risk to
the fetus.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of gabapentin are dizziness,
somnolence,
ataxia, fatigue, fluid retention, hostility, nausea and
vomiting.
Other adverse events associated with gabapentin include
hypertension, anorexia,
bruising, joint pain, motion sickness, and pneumonia.
Last Editorial Review: 9/10/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
 |
 |
From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
|
|
- Shingles - Learn shingles symptoms (contagious rash), vaccine, causes (chickenpox [varicella] virus, stress), treatment, how it's transmitted and postherpetic neuralgia. Source:MedicineNet
- Epilepsy Treatment - Information on Epilepsy treatment includes how epilepsy is treated, drug therapy, side effects, and surgery. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic
- Headache - Learn about the different types of headaches, migraine, tension, cluster, menstrual, and spinal headaches; and their causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 35 more gabapentin related articles ...
|
| |
|
Back to Medications Index
Specialty RSS
Slideshows