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Description
This medicine is effective as adjunctive therapy with other antiepileptic drugs in patients who have shown no or poor response in achieving seizure control. This medicine contains; Gabapentin, which works by showing a high affinity for binding sites throughout the brain correspondent to the presence of the voltage-gated calcium channels, especially at alpha-2-delta-1, this action seems to inhibit the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the presynaptic area which participate in epileptogenesis.
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Ingredients
Gabapentin
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Dosage Form
Capsule
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Uses
Used for the treatment of neuropathic pain and epilepsy. In neuropathic pain of; Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathies, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Post herpetic neuralgia, treat various forms of epilepsy (simple and complex partial seizures with or without secondarily generalized tonic clonic seizures), Restless leg syndrome, Depression, Maniac disorders, Unspecified Headache and Migraine.
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Dosage
Dose must be taken according to the doctor’s advice only; doses given below are suggested as supportive literature for better understanding in some areas of requirements. Adults & children over 12 years; 900-1800mg/day in 2-3 divided doses. A suggested schedule is to start with 100mg at night and increase with 100mg per day up to 600 mg in 2 - 3 divided doses. Further increase can be made depending on patients' response. Dose must be adjusted in elderly patients who are >65 years according to their health condition. Children 3 to <12 years: Initial dose is; 10 to 15 mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses daily, titrate dose upward over ~3 days. The usual dose is; in children of 3 to 4 years, 40 mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses daily, maximum daily dose; doses up to 50 mg/kg/day is well-tolerated. Children 5 to <12 years; 25 to 35 mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses daily, maximum daily dose is; doses up to 50 mg/kg/day is well-tolerated.
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In case of Overdose
Consult your doctor in case of overdose. Symptoms of overdose included dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness, lethargy and mild diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, consistent with established medical care. In patients with kidney impairment hemodialysis may be indicated. Reduced absorption of Gabapentin at higher doses may limit drug absorption and hence minimize toxicity at the time of overdosing.
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Missed Dose
In case you missed any dose, take the next dose as soon as you remember, but don't double your next dose to compensate for the missed one.
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How To Use
Take orally, with food in case of extended release preparation of this drug. Folic acid supplementation is recommended prior to pregnancy in women who are using gabapentin.
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When Not to Use
Gabapentin is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to gabapentin or any of its formulation components.
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Side Effects
Somnolence Dizziness Ataxia Headache Nystagmus Tremor Fatigue Diplopia Nausea And/Or Vomiting Rhinitis Pharyngitis Cough Respiratory Tract Infection Rash Pruritus Abrasion Acne Nervousness Depression Emotional Lability Impotence Myalgia Headache Weight Increase Back Pain Peripheral Oedema Viral Infection Fever Pancreatitis Erythema Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Elevated Liver Enzymes
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Precautions & Warnings
Caution should be exercised in renal compromised patients. In patients who are using gabapentin for long time, gabapentin should be withdrawn gradually over ≥1 week to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency (in patients with epilepsy) or other withdrawal symptoms (e.g., confusion, irritability, tachycardia, diaphoresis).
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Food Interaction
Extended release preparations of this drug must be taken with food. Avoid grapefruit along with this medicine intake. While coffee can reduce the anticonvulsant property of gabapentin.
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Storage/Disposal
Store below 30°C. Protect from sunlight and moisture.