Description
Neurontin
Neurontin belongs to the second-generation anticonvulsants, which is widely used for the treatment of epilepsy, as well as neuropathic pain in adult patients.
Neurontin is produced in three dosage forms, namely:
- oral solution (250 mg/5 ml);
- oral tablets (600 mg, 800 mg);
- oralcapsules (100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mgand 800 mg).
The active substance of Neurontin is the antiepileptic drug Gabapentin, which was originally developed for the treatment of epilepsy, and later was used to treat neuropathic pain.
Currently, Neurontin is one of the most effective drugs in the treatment of trigeminal, diabetic and postherpetic neuralgia in adults.
Prescribing Information
- Neurontin is prescribed for the treatment of neuropathic pain in adolescents over 18 years of age and adults. The efficacy and safety of the drug for the treatment of neuropathic pain in pediatric patients have not been established.
- Neurontin can be used as a drug in monotherapy of partial seizures with secondary generalization and without it in children over 12 years of age and in adults.
- Neurontin can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of partial seizures with secondary generalization and without it in children of 3 years or older.
Data regarding the safety of Neurontin during pregnancy are not available. For this reason, Neurontin should be given only if the intended use for the mother justifies the possible risk to the fetus.
Dosage
- Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
On the first day of therapy, the recommended daily dose of Neurontin is 300 mg. On the second day, the daily dose is increased to 600 mg and divided into two intakes (one 300 mg Neurontin capsulein the morning and in the evening).
On the third day, the therapeutic dose is increased to 900 mg of Neurontin (three 300 mg doses).Then, the dose is gradually increased to a maximum of 3600 mg of Neurontin per day, if necessary.
- Treatment of partial seizures
For the treatment of partial onset seizures in adults and adolescents older than 12 years, the initial dose of Neurontin is 900 mg per day, divided into three equal intakes.
The maintenance daily dose of Neurontin varies from 900 mg to 3600 mg (divided into three doses). The interval between the intake of two consecutive doses of the drug should not exceed 12 hours.
The initial dose of Neurontin in pediatric patients aged 3 to 12 years varies from 10 mg to 15 mg per kg of body weight. During the first three days, the dose of the anticonvulsant is gradually titrated to the effective dose. The maintenance dose for children aged 5 years and older is 25-35 mg Neurontin per kg of body weight per day.
Interactions
Neurontin is not metabolized in the liver, so no clinically significant interactions are usually noted.
Combined use of Neurontin with opioids can lead to severe CNS depression. Neurontin does not interact with other antiepileptic drugs.
Side effects
- Side effects of Neurontin that are most often noted in adults are ataxia, peripheral edema, drowsiness, dizziness, dyspepsia.
- Pediatric patients may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Tips
Neurontin is taken regardless of meals. To reduce the frequency and severity of side effects, the therapeutic Neurontin dose should be graduallyreduced or increased.
For ease of use, pediatric patients are usually prescribedNeurontin as an oral solution. Neurontin oral solution contains no sugar and has a pleasant strawberry anise flavor.
Neurontin may be given to patients with impaired renal function, yet this group of patients is recommended to use the anticonvulsantin low doses.