gabapentin (redirected from Nurontin)

gabapentin /gab·a·pen·tin/ (-pen´tin) an anticonvulsant related to γ (GABA), used in the treatment of partial seizures.

---

gab·a·pen·tin (gb-pntn)

n.

An oral anticonvulsant chemically related to gamma-aminobutyric acid, used primarily in the treatment of focal seizures and neuralgia, especially after infection with herpes zoster.

---

gabapentin

[gab′äpen′tin]

an anticonvulsant chemically related to alpha-aminobutyric acid, used in treatment of partial seizures, administered orally.

---

gabapentin

(gab´pen´tin),
n brand name: Neurontin;
drug class: an-ticonvulsant;
action: anticonvulsant action is unclear;
use: adjunctive therapy in adults with partial seizures.

---

gabapentin

Neurontin

Pharmacologic class: 1-amino-methyl cyclohexoneacetic acid

Therapeutic class: Anticonvulsant

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Unknown. Possesses properties resembling those of other anticonvulsants, which appear to stabilize cell membranes by altering cation (sodium, calcium, and potassium) transport, thereby decreasing excitability and suppressing seizure discharge or focus.

Availability

Capsules: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg

Oral solution: 250 mg/5 ml

Tablets: 600 mg, 800 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Adjunctive treatment of partial seizures

Adults and children older than age 12: Initially, 300 mg P.O. t.i.d. Usual range is 900 to 1,800 mg/day in three divided doses.

Children ages 5 to 12: Initially, 10 to 15 mg/kg/day P.O. in three divided doses, titrated upward over 3 days to 25 to 35 mg/kg/day in three divided doses

Children ages 3 to 4: Initially, 10 to 15 mg/kg/day P.O. in three divided doses, titrated upward over 3 days to 40 mg/kg/day in three divided doses

➣ Postherpetic neuralgia

Adults: Initially, 300 mg P.O. as a single dose on day 1; then 600 mg in two divided doses on day 2 and 900 mg in three divided doses on day 3. Then titrate upward as needed to 1,800 mg/day given in three divided doses.

Dosage adjustment

• Renal impairment

Off-label uses

• Bipolar disorder
• Migraine prophylaxis
• Tremor associated with multiple sclerosis

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• renal insufficiency
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children younger than age 3 (safety not established).

Administration

• Give with or without food.
• Administer first dose at bedtime to reduce adverse effects.
• Don't give within 2 hours of antacids.
• Give daily doses no more than 12 hours apart.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Rapid	2-4 hr	8 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: drowsiness, anxiety, dizziness, malaise, vertigo, weakness, ataxia, altered reflexes, hyperkinesia, paresthesia, tremor, amnesia, abnormal thinking, difficulty concentrating, hostility, emotional lability

CV: hypertension, peripheral edema

EENT: abnormal vision, nystagmus, diplopia, amblyopia, rhinitis, pharyngitis, dry throat

GI: nausea, vomiting, constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, anorexia, dry mouth

GU: erectile dysfunction

Hematologic: leukopenia

Musculoskeletal: joint, back, or muscle pain; fractures

Respiratory: cough

Skin: pruritus, abrasion

Other: dental abnormalities, gingivitis, facial edema, increased appetite, weight gain

Interactions

Drug-drug. Antacids: decreased gabapentin absorption

Antihistamines, CNS depressants, sedative-hypnotics: increased risk of CNS depression

Drug-diagnostic tests. Urinary protein dipstick test: false-positive result

White blood cells (WBCs): decreased count

Drug-herbs. Chamomile, hops, kava, skullcap, valerian: increased risk of CNS depression

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased risk of CNS depression

Patient monitoring

• Evaluate neurologic status and motor function.
• Assess WBC count.
• Monitor blood pressure.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient he may take with or without food.
• Advise patient to take first dose at bedtime to reduce adverse effects.
☞ Caution patient not to stop taking drug suddenly. Dosage must be tapered to minimize seizure risk.
• Instruct patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration, alertness, motor function, and vision.
• Tell patient that drug may cause joint pain, muscle aches, or bone pain. Encourage him to discuss activity recommendations and pain management with prescriber.
• Advise parents that drug may cause emotional lability and poor concentration in children. Tell them to contact prescriber if these problems occur.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, herbs, and behaviors mentioned above.

---

gabapentin

Neurontin^® Neurology An antiepileptic structural analogue of GABA, which binds to a poorly characterized brain receptor Indications Drug-refractory complex partial seizures, generalized seizures, with/without 2º generalization Adverse effects Vertigo, somnolence, headaches; it has little interaction with other agents. See Convulsion.

---

Patient discussion about Nurontin.

Q. I have heard of Gabapentin. It’s really useful for the treatment of acute depressed, manic states.Is it true… I have heard of Gabapentin. It’s really useful for the treatment of acute depressed, manic states and can it also be used to prevent future episodes of mania and depression? Is it true…

A. YES Kennedy,Earlier it was used for the treatment of people with depressed, manic and mixed states and was mainly given for the patients who did not respond to other medications. Now a days some patients are being prescribed gabapentin on a long term basis in an attempt to prevent future episodes. Its effectiveness as a long-term prophylactic agent is currently being investigated. Gabapentin is also increasingly used in pain clinics, headache clinics and clinics treating fibromyalgia. I hope my explanation is satisfactory to you.