Gabapentin
Also known as: Neurontin, Aclonium, Equipax, Gantin, Gabarone, Neurostil, Progresse
**What is Gabapentin?** Gabapentin is a medication used to treat chronic nerve pain and, less commonly, to help control seizures. It is also frequently used to reduce fear and anxiety before stressful events like vet visits. **How to Give This Medication** * Can be given with or without food. * **Never** give the human liquid form (Neurontin) to your dog unless specifically compounded by a veterinary pharmacy, as it contains **xylitol**, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. **What to Watch For** * The most common side effects are **sleepiness (sedation)** and **wobbliness (ataxia)**. These effects are usually mild and often improve as your pet gets used to the medication. * Contact your veterinarian if your pet seems excessively drowsy or uncoordinated. **Important Notes** * If your pet is taking gabapentin for seizures, **do not stop the medication abruptly**, as this can trigger severe withdrawal seizures. Always consult your vet before changing the dose.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Ancillary therapy of refractory seizures
- Ancillary therapy of refractory seizures
- Ancillary therapy of refractory seizures
- Analgesic
- Adjunctive treatment of chronic or cancer pain
- Adjunctive analgesia associated with neuropathic pain
- Analgesic
- Analgesic
- Adjunctive seizure therapy / Chronic pain
- Ancillary therapy of refractory seizures
- Ancillary therapy of refractory seizures
- Ancillary therapy of refractory seizures
- Ancillary therapy of refractory seizures
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation
- Ataxia
- Dizziness (humans)
- Somnolence
- Peripheral edema (humans)
- Withdrawal-precipitated seizures (if abruptly discontinued)
- Increased rate of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (noted in male rats)
- Mild sedation
- False-positive urinary protein tests (reported in humans)
- Hepatic toxicity (rare, reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to gabapentin
- Use of xylitol-containing human oral solutions in dogs
- Oral solutions containing xylitol (highly toxic to dogs)
- > **WARNING**: Commercially available human oral solutions (e.g., Neurontin) often contain **xylitol** (up to 300 mg/mL), which is highly toxic to dogs, causing severe hypoglycemia and hepatotoxicity. Avoid use in dogs. * **Renal Insufficiency**: Eliminated primarily via the kidneys. Use with caution and consider dosage adjustments in patients with renal impairment. Dogs partially metabolize the drug (30-40%), so mild to moderate renal dysfunction may not require adjustment. * **Withdrawal**: Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal-precipitated seizures. Taper the dose gradually when discontinuing, especially in epileptic patients. * **Laboratory Alterations**: May cause false-positive urinary protein readings on Ames N-Multistix SG dipstick tests. Use a sulfosalicylic acid precipitation test instead.
Drug interactions
- Antacids: Oral antacids given concurrently may decrease oral bioavailability of gabapentin by 20%; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Hydrocodone: Co-administration may increase gabapentin AUC and efficacy/adverse effects. Gabapentin may reduce hydrocodone AUC, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
- Morphine: May increase gabapentin levels.
- Antacids (containing aluminium and magnesium): Reduced absorption of gabapentin from the GI tract. Administer gabapentin at least 2 hours after antacids.
- Cimetidine: Reduced renal clearance of gabapentin (not considered clinically important).
Frequently asked questions
What is Gabapentin used for in pets?
**What is Gabapentin?** Gabapentin is a medication used to treat chronic nerve pain and, less commonly, to help control seizures. It is also frequently used to reduce fear and anxiety before stressful events like vet visits. **How to Give This Medication** * Can be given with or without food. * **Never** give the human liquid form (Neurontin) to your dog unless specifically compounded by a veterinary pharmacy, as it contains **xylitol**, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. **What to Watch For** * The most common side effects are **sleepiness (sedation)** and **wobbliness (ataxia)**. These effects are usually mild and often improve as your pet gets used to the medication. * Contact your veterinarian if your pet seems excessively drowsy or uncoordinated. **Important Notes** * If your pet is taking gabapentin for seizures, **do not stop the medication abruptly**, as this can trigger severe withdrawal seizures. Always consult your vet before changing the dose.
Is Gabapentin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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