Gabantin 100

GABANTIN 100 by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD.

Name

• Common Name: Gabapentin
• Brand Name: Gabantin 100

Composition

Each capsule of Gabantin 100 contains Gabapentin 100 mg as the active ingredient. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant structurally related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which works by calming overactive nerves in the body to reduce nerve pain and lower the chance of seizures.

Uses

Gabantin 100 is primarily prescribed for:

• Neuropathic Pain: Management of nerve pain caused by damaged nerves due to conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles), spinal cord injury, fibromyalgia, and restless legs syndrome.
• Epilepsy/Seizures: As an adjunctive therapy for partial seizures, with or without secondary generalization, in adults and children aged 3 years and above.

Dosage and Administration

Gabantin 100 capsules can be taken orally, with or without food. It is typically advised to take the medicine at the same time each day, often three times daily. The exact dosage and duration are determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's condition and response.

• For Neuropathic Pain: Treatment may be initiated with 300 mg on Day 1, followed by 300 mg twice on Day 2, and 300 mg thrice on Day 3. The dose can be titrated upwards as needed for pain relief, up to a maximum daily dose of 3600 mg (divided into three doses).
• For Epilepsy:
  • Adults and adolescents (over 12 years): The effective dose typically ranges from 900 mg to 1800 mg/day, given in three divided doses. The starting dose can be 300 mg three times a day, with gradual increases up to 3600 mg/day if necessary.
  • Pediatric patients (3-12 years): A starting dose of 10-15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses is recommended, with titration to an effective dose of 25-35 mg/kg/day over approximately three days.
• Capsules should be swallowed whole with water; do not crush, chew, break, or open them.
• Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of Gabantin 100, as they can reduce its absorption.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, sleepiness
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Ataxia (impaired balance or coordination), peripheral edema (swelling of arms and legs), weight gain
• Mood changes, dry mouth, fever
• Blurred or double vision (diplopia)

Serious side effects, though rare, warrant immediate medical attention:

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, tightness in chest/throat, yellowing of skin/eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding).
• Persistent stomach pain with nausea and vomiting (suggestive of pancreatitis).
• Unexpected muscle pain or weakness, especially in patients with kidney failure.
• Hallucinations, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, leucopenia.

Precautions

• Withdrawal: Do not stop taking Gabantin 100 suddenly without consulting a doctor, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, sweating, vomiting, depression, and increased seizure frequency.
• Alertness: Gabantin 100 can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol and St. John's Wort herbal supplement (an antidepressant) while taking Gabantin 100, as they may increase dizziness and sleepiness.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as the potential benefits and risks must be carefully weighed.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver impairment, heart problems, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, muscle weakness, a history of suicidal thoughts or behavior, or drug addiction.
• Pediatric Use: Not generally recommended for children under 3 years of age; specific guidelines apply for children aged 3 and above for epilepsy treatment.

Storage

Store Gabantin 100 in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Keep the medicine at temperatures below 30°C. Ensure it is kept out of sight and reach of children.

GABANTIN 100, manufactured by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD., contains the active ingredient Gabapentin. It is primarily used to treat nerve pain and certain types of seizures.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Gabantin 100:

What is Gabantin 100 used for?

Gabantin 100 is prescribed to relieve neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by damaged nerves, often associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy, shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), and spinal cord injury. It is also used as an adjunct therapy to help prevent and control partial seizures in adults and children aged 3 years and older who have epilepsy. Additionally, it may be used to treat fibromyalgia and restless legs syndrome.

How does Gabantin 100 work?

Gabantin 100 (gabapentin) works by calming overactive nerves in the body and brain. While its exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed to bind to a specific site (alpha-2-delta subunit) on voltage-gated calcium channels in nerve cells. This action helps to reduce the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, thereby interfering with pain signals and decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which in turn helps to reduce nerve pain and prevent seizures.

What is the usual dosage for Gabantin 100?

The dosage of Gabantin 100 varies depending on the condition being treated and individual patient response. For neuropathic pain in adults, treatment may start with a single 300 mg dose on day 1, increasing to 300 mg twice on day 2, and 300 mg three times on day 3. The dose can then be gradually increased up to a daily dose of 1800 mg (divided into three doses). For epilepsy in adults and adolescents (over 12 years), effective doses typically range from 900 mg to 1800 mg per day, given in three divided doses, starting with 300 mg three times a day. Children aged 3-12 years for epilepsy may start with 10-15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses, with titration upwards over approximately three days to an effective dose of 25-35 mg/kg/day. It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and not to stop the medication abruptly.

What are the possible side effects of Gabantin 100?

Many people taking Gabantin 100 do not experience serious side effects. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness (sleepiness), fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, swelling (peripheral edema), dry mouth, and problems with balance or coordination (ataxia). These are usually mild and may resolve as your body adjusts to the medicine. More serious, but rare, side effects can include unusual mood changes like anxiety, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts, severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing), and severe stomach pain (suggesting pancreatitis). If any side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience serious symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Is Gabantin 100 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Gabantin 100 (gabapentin) is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless prescribed by a doctor, who will weigh the potential benefits against the risks to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. It is recommended to take a high dose of folic acid (5mg a day) if you are taking gabapentin for epilepsy and are trying to conceive or are pregnant.

Gabapentin passes into breast milk in small amounts. While it has not been known to cause serious side effects in breastfed babies, it is advisable to consult your doctor before breastfeeding while on Gabantin 100. Your doctor will help decide whether to continue breastfeeding or the medication. Infants should be monitored for drowsiness or trouble gaining weight.

Can Gabantin 100 be taken with other medications?

Gabantin 100 can interact with certain medications.

• Antacids: Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium can reduce the absorption of gabapentin. It's advised to take antacids at least 2 hours before or after taking Gabantin 100.
• Opioids and CNS Depressants: Combining Gabantin 100 with strong painkillers (like tramadol, buprenorphine, codeine, morphine) or other central nervous system depressants (such as certain anxiety or sleep medicines, antidepressants, and antihistamines) can increase the risk of severe drowsiness, dizziness, and respiratory depression (slow, ineffective breathing).
• Other Antiepileptics: Gabantin 100 generally does not interact with other antiepileptic drugs in a way that significantly alters their plasma concentrations. However, increased side effects are possible when used together. Always inform your doctor about all medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

• Allergies: Do not take Gabantin 100 if you are allergic to gabapentin or any of its ingredients.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Gabantin 100 can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase dizziness and sleepiness.
• Kidney or Liver Issues: If you have kidney or liver impairment, your doctor may need to adjust your dose, as Gabantin 100 is mainly excreted by the kidneys.
• Mental Health: There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with anticonvulsants like gabapentin. Report any unusual mood or behavior changes to your doctor immediately.
• Do Not Stop Abruptly: Do not stop taking Gabantin 100 suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., anxiety, fatigue, sweating, vomiting, seizures) or worsening of your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose if discontinuation is necessary.
• Children: Gabantin 100 is generally not recommended for children under 6 years of age for nerve pain. For epilepsy, it may be used in children aged 3 years and older.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Gabantin 100, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Taking a missed dose too close to the next one might increase side effects like sleepiness.

How should Gabantin 100 be stored?

Gabantin 100 capsules should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture, ideally below 30°C. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.