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Gabapentin

Analgesic, Seizure treatment, Anticonvulsant

Brand Names

Gabapentin, Neurotonin®

Drug Information

Pharmacology

Enhances release and action of GABA in the brain and inhibits neuronal sodium channels.

Contraindications

General
  • Veterinary studies of the use of this drug are limited. Use with caution.
  • Use with caution in patients with kidney disease and possibly with reduced dose.

Adverse Effects

General
  • Veterinary studies of the use of this drug are limited.
  • Sudden withdrawal should be avoided. Dose should be decreased gradually over 1 week if discontinuing use when treating seizures.
  • Sedation, CNS depression – start with lower end dose and increase gradually may minimize these effects.
  • Humans have reported dizziness, sleepiness and peripheral edema.

Interactions

Category Interactions
Antacid
  • Bioavailability of gabapentin is decreased if given with antacids. Separate doses by 2 hours.

Drug Interactions
HYDROcodone
  • Concomitant use may increase the efficacy of gabapentin and/or the risk for adverse effects of gabapentin. Also gabapentin may reduce the efficacy of HYDROcodone.
Morphine sulfate
  • May increase gabapentin levels.

Comments

The suspected therapeutic range is 4 – 16 mg/L.
Sudden withdrawal should be avoided. Dose should be decreased gradually over 1 week if discontinuing use when treating seizures.
Veterinary studies of the use of this drug are limited. Appears to only be occasionally useful in dogs in the management of seizures.

Available Forms

Human
  • Capsules, 100, 300 and 400 mg; Neurotonin® Oral solution: 50 mg/mL in 470 mL bottles – CONTAINS XYLITOL – Use with cautionif at all in dogs and possibly cats; Neurotonin®.
Veterinary – General
  • None