Medicine Information

Gabapre

Name: Gabapre
Brand: Gabapre
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Capsule50 mgAnticonvulsants, Neuropathic pain agentsATC: N03AX12

Generic Name

Gabapentin 50 mg capsule

Manufacturer

General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
gabapre 50 mg capsule	৳ 15.00	৳ 150.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain agent. It is used to treat partial seizures in adults and children 3 years and older, and for the management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults. Gabapentin 50 mg capsules are typically used for initial titration or in patients requiring lower doses.

Uses & Indications

Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures with and without secondary generalization in adults and children 3 years and older.

Management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults.

Dosage

Adults

Dosage must be titrated. For postherpetic neuralgia, initial dose is 300 mg once daily on day 1, 300 mg twice daily on day 2, and 300 mg three times daily on day 3. For partial seizures, initial dose is often 300 mg three times daily, which may be initiated with lower doses like 50 mg, then titrated up. Individualize dose based on patient response and tolerability.

Elderly

Generally, lower initial doses and slower titration are recommended due to potential age-related decrease in renal function.

Renal_impairment

Dosage adjustment is necessary based on creatinine clearance. For CrCl >60 mL/min, standard dose; for CrCl 30-59 mL/min, reduce dose; for CrCl <30 mL/min, further reduce dose.

How to Take

Take orally with or without food. Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break.

Mechanism of Action

Gabapentin's precise mechanism is not fully understood. It is thought to bind with high affinity to the alpha-2-delta (α2δ) subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, which are involved in excitatory neurotransmitter release. This binding reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, thereby modulating neuronal excitability and reducing pain transmission.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Varies by indication, generally within days to weeks for therapeutic effect.

Excretion

Excreted unchanged in the urine; primarily renally eliminated.

Half life

Approximately 5-7 hours in adults with normal renal function.

Absorption

Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, bioavailability is dose-dependent and decreases with increasing dose. Peak plasma concentrations reached within 2-3 hours.

Metabolism

Not appreciably metabolized in humans.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to gabapentin or any component of the formulation.

Drug Interactions

Opioids

Increased risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and coma. Use with caution, monitor closely, and consider dose reduction of either drug.

Antacids

May reduce gabapentin bioavailability. Take gabapentin at least 2 hours after antacids.

Hydrocodone

Reduces hydrocodone Cmax and AUC, increases gabapentin AUC.

Ethanol (Alcohol)

May enhance CNS depressant effects of gabapentin.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness, lethargy, and mild diarrhea. Management is primarily supportive care, including gastric lavage or emesis if recent ingestion. Hemodialysis can be used to remove gabapentin from the body.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. Gabapentin is excreted into human milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 capsules30 capsules50 capsules

Shelf Life

2-3 years (refer to package for exact date)

Availability

Pharmacies

Approval Status

Approved

Patent Status

Off-patent (Generic available)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have established gabapentin's efficacy and safety in epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Ongoing research may explore new indications or formulations.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function (creatinine clearance) should be monitored, especially in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal impairment, as gabapentin is renally excreted. No routine blood tests are generally required.

Doctor Notes

Counsel patients on the importance of adherence and not abruptly discontinuing gabapentin.
Monitor for signs of suicidal ideation, depression, and changes in behavior.
Assess renal function, especially in elderly and renally impaired patients, to adjust dosage accordingly.

Patient Guidelines

Take gabapentin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it suddenly, as this can lead to increased seizure activity or other withdrawal symptoms.
Report any new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in mood or behavior to your doctor immediately.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Gabapentin may cause dizziness, somnolence, and other CNS depressant effects. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate hazardous machinery until they have gained sufficient experience with gabapentin to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery.

Lifestyle Advice

Avoid alcohol consumption while taking gabapentin, as it can worsen side effects like dizziness and drowsiness.
Engage in regular physical activity and maintain a balanced diet to manage potential weight gain.