Gabapentin is indicated for:

• Neuropathic Pain.
• Adjunctive therapy in partial seizure and secondary generalized seizure.

Gabapentin is an anti-convulsant. It is a structural analog of gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA). All pharmacological actions following administration of Gabapentin are due to the activity of the parent compound. Gabapentin binds with the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated L-type calcium channels and inhibits branched-chain amino acid transferase, and probably inhibits neurotransmitter release of excitatory amino acids.

Neuropathic Pain: The treatment may be initiated as a single 300 mg dose on Day 1, then 300 mg twice on Day 2, and 300 mg three times on Day 3. The dose can 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 aged 3-12 years: The starting dose should range from 10-15 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses, and the effective dose is reached by upward titration over a period of approximately three days.

Administration

Gabapentin can be taken orally with or without food.

Antacids may reduce the bioavailability of Gabapentin by up to 20%. Cimetidine may alter its renal excretion. Gabapentin does not interact with other anti-epileptic drugs or with oral contraceptive preparations.

Gabapentin is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to the drug.

Fatigue, dizziness, ataxia, weight gain, peripheral edema, dry mouth, and somnolence may occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefits justify the potential risk to the fetus. Gabapentin may be secreted through breast milk. Therefore, it should be used during lactation only if potential benefits justify the potential risk to the baby.

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 experience about whether Gabapentin affects their mental and/or motor performance adversely.

In cases of renal impairment, Gabapentin doses must be reduced.

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs

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