Clinical Pharmacology Details


GABAPENTIN


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Indications & Dose:

Adjunctive treatment of focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation



Child 6–11 years: 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, some children may not tolerate daily increments; longer intervals (up to weekly) may be more appropriate, daily dose maximum to be given in 3 divided doses; maximum 70 mg/kg per day


Child 12–17 years: Initially 300 mg once daily on day 1, then 300 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), some children may not tolerate daily increments; longer intervals (up to weekly) may be more appropriate Adult: Initially 300 mg once daily on day 1, then 300 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)


 Monotherapy for focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation



Child 12–17 years: Initially 300 mg once daily on day 1, then 300 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), some children may not tolerate daily increments; longer intervals (up to weekly) may be more appropriate


Adult: Initially 300 mg once daily on day 1, then 300 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)


Peripheral neuropathic pain



Adult: Initially 300 mg once daily on day 1, then 300 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; maximum 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

Contraindications:

Side Effects:

Cautions:

Precautions:

Severe renal dysfunction, age <12 yr, tumorigenic in rats (pancreatic adenomas and carcinomas); significance to humans unknown


PREGNANCY  The dose should be monitored carefully during pregnancy and after birth, and adjustments made on a clinical basis.


BREAST FEEDING Present in milk—manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk


 

Interaction:

Drugs


Antacids: Reduce bioBrands Available with Cost of gabapentin by 20% 

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

CNS: Abnormal thinking, amnesia, ataxia (13%), depression, dizziness (17%), dysarthria, fatigue (11%), nervousness, nystagmus (8%), somnolence (19%), tremor (7%)


EENT: Diplopia, rhinitis


GI: Dry mouth, dyspepsia


GU: Impotence


HEME: Leukopenia (1%)


MS: Myalgia, twitching


SKIN: Flushing, pruritus 

Patient And Carer Advice: