Gabapen(Gabapentin)
Therapeutic Group: Anti Convulsant
Presentation
Gabapen 100: Each film coated tablet contains Gabapentin USP 100 mg.
Gabapen 300: Each film coated tablet contains Gabapentin USP 300 mg.
Description
Gabapentin is an anti-convulsant drug. It is a structural analog of gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA). All
pharmacological actions following administration of gabapentin are due to the activity of parent compound. It
increases brain GABA levels, binds to 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 acids. Food
has no effect on the rate and extent of absorption of gabapentin and it is not appreciably metabolized in human.
Gabapentin is eliminated from the systemic circulation by renal excretion as unchanged drug. Elimination half-life is
5-7 hours and is unaltered by increased dose or following multiple dosing.
Indications
Neuralgia: (a) pain from diabetic neuropathy, (b) post herpetic neuralgia
Partial seizures: Gabapentin is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures with and
without secondary generalization in patients over 3 years of age with epilepsy
Dosage & Administration
Neuropathic pain: 300 mg on day-1, then 300 mg twice on day-2, then 300 mg thrice on day-3, then increase the
dose according to response in steps of 300 mg daily to maximum 1800 mg daily in three divided doses.
Partial seizure/epilepsy: 300 mg on day-1, then 300 mg twice on day-2, then 300 mg thrice on day-3, then increase
the dose according to response in steps of 300 mg daily to maximum 2400 mg daily in three divided doses. In case
of children: For 3-12 years - 10 to15 mg/kg, Incase of titration 25-35 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses. Maintenance
dose is 900 mg daily (body weight 26-36 Kg) or 1.2 gm daily (body weight 37-50 Kg).
In case of renal impaired patient Gabapentin doses must be reduced :
Renal clearance Doses
>60 =1200 mg/daily in 3 divided doses
30-60 600 mg/daily in 2 divided doses
15-30 300 mg/daily single dose
<15 =150 mg/daily single dose or 300 mg/every alternate day
Heamodialysis maximum 300 mg after each dialysis
Gabapentin can be taken orally with or without food.
Side Effects
Generally Gabapentin is well tolerated but a few side effects like fatigue, dizziness, ataxia, weight gain, peripheral
edema, dry mouth and somnolence, may occur. Rarely it may cause fulminate hepatic failure, or aplastic anemia.
Precautions
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 Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Gabapentin is a pregnancy category-c drug; it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential
benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Lactation: Gabapentin may be secreted through the breast milk like many other drugs, so it should be used in
women who are nursing, only if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Use in children
Safety and effectiveness of Gabapentin in the management of neuropathic pain in pediatric patients have not been
established. Safety and effectiveness of Gabapentin in the management of seizures in pediatric patients below the
age of 3 years have not been established
Drug Interaction
Antacids may reduce the bioavailability of Gabapentin by up to 20%. Cimetidine may alter its renal excretion.
Gabapentin does not interact with other antiepileptic agent or with oral contraceptive preparation.
Over Dose
Overdosage of up to 30g has been reported. The symptoms consist of drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech and
mild diarrhea. Gabapentin can be removed by hemodialysis
Storage
Do not store above 300 C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children
Commercial Pack
Gabapen 100: Box containing 3 blister strips of 10 tablets.
Gabapen 300: Box containing 3 blister strips of 10 tablets.