Analgesics/NSAIDS - Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Question 1

What is the typical dose range for Gabapentin (Neurontin) when administered orally before an operation?

A) 100-500 mg

B) 200-800 mg

C) 300-1200 mg

D) 400-1000 mg

Answer 1

Answer: C) 300-1200 mg

Dose Range: 300-1200 mg PO 2 hours before OR (usually see 300 mg given)

Dr Castillo MAGA slides:
300-1200 mg PO; 1 to 2 hrs prior to OR

Question 2

Which mechanism of action best describes how Gabapentin (Neurontin) works?

A) Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine

B) Binds to voltage-gated calcium channels, enhancing descending inhibition and inhibiting excitatory neurotransmitter release

C) Activates opioid receptors to reduce pain

D) Increases the release of GABA neurotransmitters

Answer 2

B) Binds to voltage-gated calcium channels, enhancing descending inhibition and inhibiting excitatory neurotransmitter release

Question 3

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is structurally similar to which neurotransmitter but does not participate in neurotransmission?

A) Serotonin

B) Dopamine

C) GABA

D) Norepinephrine

Answer 3

Answer: C) GABA

Castillo:
*Structural analogue of GABA
No activity in GABA neurotransmission
-Lipid soluble
-Not protein bound
- No drug-drug interactions
- Brief E ½ time….redosing required *

Question 4

For which of the following conditions is Gabapentin (Neurontin) commonly used?

A) Acute bacterial infections

B) Chronic pain syndromes such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, phantom limb pain

C) Hypertension

D) Acute myocardial infarction

Answer 4

B) Chronic pain syndromes such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, phantom limb pain

Question 5

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is commonly used to manage which of the following conditions? (Select 3)

A) Fibromyalgia

B) Spinal Stenosis

C) Partial seizure in adults/children

D) Hyperthyroidism

Answer 5

A) Fibromyalgia

B) Spinal Stenosis

C) Partial seizure in adults/children

Question 6

Which of the following is a common side effect of Gabapentin (Neurontin)? (Select 4)

A) Dizziness, weight gain

B) Nausea, fatigue

C) Insomnia

D) Euphoria

E) Ataxia, Constipation

F) Seizure if abrupt withdrawal

Answer 6

A) Dizziness, weight gain
B) Nausea, fatigue
E) Ataxia, Constipation
F) Seizure if abrupt withdrawal