Gabapentin (Anticonvulsant/Antineuralgic)

Question 1

Where are the brand names for gabapentin?

Answer 1

Neurontin, Gralise

Question 2

What strength capsules are available for gabapentin?

Answer 2

100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg

Question 3

What strength tablets for gabapentin available?

Answer 3

600 mg and 800 mg

Question 4

What strength extended release tablets are available as gabapentin?

Answer 4

300 mg and 600 mg, (Gralise)

Question 5

What strength oral solution of gabapentin is available?

Answer 5

250 mg per five mL (store refrigerated)

Question 6

What dose of gabapentin is used as an adjunct of therapy in the treatment of partial seizures with and without secondary generalization in adults with epilepsy?

Answer 6

Start with 300 mg at bedtime on day one. Increase to 300 mg twice a day on day two and 300 mg three times a day on day three. The effective dose is 900 mg to 1800 mg per day given in three divided doses.

Doses of 2400 mg per day have been tolerated by patient. If gabapentin is discontinued, a gradual dose reduction should be done over a period of one week.

Question 7

What dose of gabapentin is used in adults with a creatinine clearance of a greater than 60 mL per minute?

Answer 7

400 mg three times a day

Question 8

What does a gabapentin is used when a patient has a creatinine clearance between 30 and 60 mL per minute?

Answer 8

300 mg two times a day

Question 9

What dose of gabapentin is used in adults with a creatinine clearance between 15 and 30 mL per minute?

Answer 9

300 mg once a day

Question 10

What dose of gabapentin is used in adults for the creatinine clearance of less than 15 mL per minute?

Answer 10

300 mg every other day

Question 11

What dose of gabapentin is used as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures and pediatric patients ages 3 to 12 years?

Answer 11

• Start with 10 - 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses.

- Titrate up to 25 - 35 mg/kg/day for patients greater than five years and up to 40 mg/kg/day in patients 3 to 4 years.

Question 12

What dose of gabapentin is used for the treatment of post herpetic neuralgia in adults?

Answer 12

Start with 300 mg on day one, 300 mg twice a day on day two, and 300 mg three times a day on day three. The dose can be titrated up to 600 mg given three times a day (1800mg/day)

Question 13

What is the mechanism of action of gabapentin?

Answer 13

The exact mechanism of action of gabapentin is unknown

Question 14

What are the drug interactions of gabapentin?

Answer 14

Antacids decrease bioavailability when given at the same time as gabapentin

Question 15

What are the contraindications for patients taking Neurontin?

Answer 15

• Antiepileptic drugs should not be discontinued abruptly due to the possibility of precipitating seizures.
• The safety and efficacy and patient pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.
• Use caution in patients with renal impairment.
• Pregnancy category C

Question 16

What are the adverse effects for Neurontin?

Answer 16

• The most common adverse effects are somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, nystagmus, tremor, diplopia, rhinitis, and blurred vision.
• Uncommon but rare address of facts include elevate creatinine kinase and rhabdomyolysis.

Question 17

What should our RPh tell the patient when consulting them on gabapentin?

Answer 17

• May cause drowsiness.
• Use caution while operating machinery or one mental alertness is required.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• Do not abruptly discontinue therapy, does should be tapered over a one week period.
• May be taken without regard to meals.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible, do not double doses