Composition
Cap/Tab 100 mg/200 mg/300 mg/ 400 mg/600 mg/800 mg:Gabapentin 100 mg/200 mg/300 mg/400 mg/600 mg/800 mg.
Indications & Dosage
Monotherapy or Adjunctive treatment of focal seizures with or without secondary generalization: Adult & Children above 12 yrs: Initially 300 mg once daily on day 1, then300 mg twice daily on day 2, then 300 mg 3 times a day on day 3, alternatively initially 300 mg 3 times a day on day 1, then increased in steps of 300 mg every 2-3 days in 3 divided doses, adjusted according to response; usual dose 0.9-3.6 g daily in 3 divided doses (max. per dose 1.6 g 3 times a day) Children 6-11 yrs: 10 mg/kg once daily (max. per dose 300 mg) on day 1, then 10 mg/kg twice daily (max. per dose 300 mg) on day 2, then 10 mg/kg 3 times a day (max. per dose 300 mg) on day 3; usual dose 25-35 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses, max. 70 mg/kg per day. Some children may not tolerate daily increments; longer intervals (up to weekly) may be more appropriate. Peripheral neuropathic pain: Adult: Initially 300 mg once daily on day 1, then300 mg twice daily on day 2, then 300 mg 3 times a day on day 3, alternatively initially 300 mg 3 times a day on day 1, then increased in steps of 300 mg every 2-3 days in 3 divided doses, adjusted according to response; max. 3.6 g per day. Migraine prophylaxis: Adult: Initially 300 mg daily, then increased to up to 2.4 g daily in divided doses, adjusted according to response.
Precautions
Renal and hepatic impairment, diabetes mellitus, elderly,high doses with low body-weight, history of psychotic illness, mixed seizures (including absences), haemodialysis, history of psychotic illness, elderly. Discontinuation of gabapentin and/or addition or substitution of alternative therapy should be gradual, over a minimum of 1 week.
Interactions
Antacids.
Pregnancy
Avoid unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk.
Lactation
Caution advised, avoid
Side Effects
Abdominal pain, acne, amnesia, anorexia, anxiety, arthralgia, ataxia, abnormal reflexes and thoughts, confusion, convulsions, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and throat, dyspepsia, dyspnea, flu syndrome, GI disturbance, gingivitis, headache, hostility, hypertension, impotence, increased appetite, insomnia, leucopenia, malaise, myalgia, nervousness, nystagmus, oedema, paraesthesia, pharyngitis, pruritus, rash, rhinitis, speech disorder, tremor, twitching, vasodilatation, vertigo, visual disturbances, vomiting, weight gain. Rare: Palpitations, renal failure, hallucinations, hepatitis, hypersensitivity syndrome, pancreatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, suicidal ideation, thrombocytopenia, tinnitus