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DBL Gabapentin Capsules

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Generic Name: Gabapentin
Product Name: DBL Gabapentin Capsules

Indication

– This drug is used in the management of epileptic partial seizures including secondarily generalized tonic clonic seizures for patients not adequately controlled with standard anti-epileptic drugs (it is used in addition to standard therapy)
– Gabapentin can also be used for the treatment of neuropathic pain

Action

– The way in which gabapentin exerts its anticonvulsant effect is unknown
– The drug is structurally related to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) but its mechanism of action differs to other drugs that interact with GABA synapses
– The binding site of gabapentin is yet to be established
– It also does not affect sodium channels, a means by which other anticonvulsants may work

Dose advice

Epilepsy:
– Treatment should be initially given as add-on therapy to standard anti-epileptic medication
– It can be given orally with or without food
– Evidence has shown that the effective dose range is 900-1800mg/day in divided doses
– Dosage initially begins by administering 300mg capsules, three times daily
– Alternatively the dose may be titrated with 300mg being administered on day 1, 300mg twice on day 2 and 300mg three times on day 3 â?? this method may be more effective in patients with renal impairment, encephalopathy, multiple anti-epileptic use or other medical problems
Neuropathic pain:
– Initial dosage is 900mg/day in three equally divided doses
– This may be titrated if need be
– Maximum dosage should be 3,600mg/day
Impaired kidney function:
– Dosage adjustment may be necessary for patients undergoing dialysis or those with impaired renal function
Children:
– The effective dose of gabapentin for children is 25-35mg/kg/day three divided doses

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

– dizziness
– somnolence
– ataxia
– fatigue
– nystagmus (abnormal eye movement)
– nausea
– vomiting
– weight gain
– difficulty swallowing
– muscle pain
– tremor
– nervousness
– cough and rhinitis
– pharyngitis
– swelling

Uncommon side effects

– fever
– infection
– abdominal pain
– constipation
– diarrhoea
– amnesia
– depression
– confusion
– insomnia
– rash
– blood pressure increase
– flatulence
– gingivitis
– vertigo
– abnormal vision


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For further information talk to your doctor.


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Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 1 January, 1970


Created by: myVMC