Gabapentin (4 brand names, 3 dosage forms, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: CAPSULE, TABLET, SOLUTION.
Routes of administration: ORAL.
Brand Names
- GABAPENTIN
- GRALISE
- NEURONTIN
- RELGAABI
Indications and Usage
Gabapentin capsules, USP are indicated for: Management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures, with and without secondary generalization, in adults and pediatric patients 3 years and older with epilepsy
Contraindications
Gabapentin capsules is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients.
Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Anaphylaxis and Angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Somnolence/Sedation and Dizziness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Increased Risk of Seizures and Other Adverse Reactions with Abrupt or Rapid Discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Status Epilepticus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions (Pediatric Patients 3 to 12 Years of Age) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
Mechanism of Action
The precise mechanisms by which gabapentin produces its analgesic and antiepileptic actions are unknown. Gabapentin is structurally related to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) but has no effect on GABA binding, uptake, or degradation. In vitrostudies have shown that gabapentin binds with high-affinity to the α2δ subunit of voltage-activated calcium channels; however, the relationship of this binding to the therapeutic effects of gabapentin is unknown.
Overdosage
Signs of acute toxicity in animals included ataxia, labored breathing, ptosis, sedation, hypoactivity, or excitation. Acute oral overdoses of gabapentin have been reported. Symptoms have included double vision, tremor, slurred speech, drowsiness, altered mental status, dizziness, lethargy, and diarrhea. Fatal respiratory depression has been reported with gabapentin overdose, alone and in combination with other CNS depressants. Gabapentin can be removed by hemodialysis. If overexposure occurs, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.