mervan
Generic Name
gabapentin
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| mervan 100 mg tablet | ৳ 7.00 | ৳ 70.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat partial seizures, postherpetic neuralgia, and other forms of neuropathic pain.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For epilepsy: Initial dose 300 mg daily, titrated up to 900-3600 mg/day in 3 divided doses. For postherpetic neuralgia: Initial 300 mg daily, titrated up to 1800-3600 mg/day in 3 divided doses. Mervan 100 mg is used for initiation and titration.
Elderly
Lower starting 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 30-59 mL/min, total daily dose should not exceed 700 mg; for CrCl 15-29 mL/min, total daily dose should not exceed 400 mg.
How to Take
Take orally with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or chew. Maintain consistent dosing intervals.
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is thought to modulate the activity of voltage-gated calcium channels, particularly the α2δ subunit, thereby reducing neuronal excitability.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of action for pain relief may take several days to weeks, while for seizures, it's typically within days of reaching therapeutic doses.
Excretion
Excreted unchanged in the urine primarily by renal excretion.
Half life
Approximately 5-7 hours in adults with normal renal function.
Absorption
Bioavailability is dose-dependent and decreases with increasing dose due to a saturable transport system. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 2-3 hours.
Metabolism
Gabapentin is not appreciably metabolized in humans.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to gabapentin or any component of the formulation.
Drug Interactions
Opioids (e.g., Morphine, Hydrocodone)
Increased risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and death. Use with caution; consider dose reduction of gabapentin or opioid.
Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium
May decrease the bioavailability of gabapentin by up to 24%. Administer gabapentin at least 2 hours after antacid administration.
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, drowsiness, blurred vision, slurred speech, lethargy, and mild diarrhea. Management is supportive; hemodialysis can be effective in removing gabapentin from plasma.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Gabapentin is excreted in breast milk; use with caution in nursing mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Gabapentin has undergone extensive clinical trials supporting its efficacy and safety for approved indications, including partial seizures and postherpetic neuralgia. Ongoing research explores its use in other pain conditions.
Lab Monitoring
- Monitor renal function, especially in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal impairment.
- Monitor for signs of suicidal ideation or unusual behavioral changes.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize slow titration to achieve therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects.
- Counsel patients on the importance of not abruptly discontinuing the medication to avoid withdrawal seizures.
- Adjust dosage carefully in patients with renal impairment.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop taking gabapentin abruptly, as this may lead to withdrawal seizures.
- Avoid alcohol or other CNS depressants while on gabapentin.
- Report any unusual mood or behavior changes to your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Gabapentin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating hazardous machinery until they are reasonably certain that gabapentin does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how gabapentin affects you.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and discuss any concerns about weight gain with your doctor.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.