What is Gabapin (Gabapantin)?
Gabapin Tablets contain a medicine called Gabapantin.
Gabapin is Anti-helminthic drug used to prevent and treat worm infections that cause swelling of the arms, legs and sexual organs. Gabapin is usually prescribed for the treatment of conditions such as Bancroft's filariasis, loiasis, and onchocerciasis. It is also prescribed for preventing worm infections of the eye that can cause blindness and breathing disorders.
Recommendations for use of Gabapin (Gabapantin)
Gabapin (Gabapantin) is mainly used for treatment of whipworm infection, infections and roundworm infections
Gabapin may be prescribed for the treatment and prevention of the following conditions:
Loiasis
Eosinophilic lung
Bancroft's filariasis
Worm infections
River blindness
Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia
Lymphatic Filariasis
Toxocariasis
Dosage and direction of taking Gabapin (Gabapantin)
Ensure to read and understand the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Gabapentin. If there are any doubts ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Gabapentin tablet with a glass of water with or without food as per your doctor's advice. Your dosage will be decided upon your medical condition and your response to the medication. For children, dosage is calculated according to the weight.
In the event your doctor tells you to split the tablet in half, take the other half at the very next scheduled dose. Any half tablets should be used within few days of splitting them. If you are prescribed the capsule, swallow the whole capsule with a full glass of water.
In order to get your body adjusted to the medication your doctor may start Gabapentin at a low dosage and gradually will increase the dosage over time. Take your first dose at bedtime in order to minimize side effects. Take Gabapentinexactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
The amount of medicine in your body kept at a constant level this drug works best. Always try to take Gabapentin at evenly paced times at the same time each day.
If you are prescribed this medication to control seizures, ensure that more than 12 hours do not pass between doses because your seizures may increase.
Take Gabapentin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
Don't stop taking this medication unless your doctor advised you to do so. Some of the conditions may get worse when the medication is stopped abruptly. Your dose is most likely to be decreased gradually.
Antacids (Mylanta, Maalox, others) containing magnesium and aluminum if you are taking then you need to take Gabapentin two hours after taking the antacid as these may interfere with the absorption of this medication.
Missed Dose of Gabapin (Gabapantin)
If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is too close to your next dose then skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Should never double the dose in order to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose of Gabapin (Gabapantin)
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
How does Gabapin (Gabapantin) work?
Gabapentin is structurally related to the neurotransmitter GABA but is neither a GABA agonist nor antagonist. High affinity gabapentin binding sites are located throughout the brain. These sites correspond to the presence of voltage-gated Ca channels particularly controlling the α-2/ð-1 subunit. This channel appears to be located presynaptically and may modulate the release of excitatory neurotransmitters which participate in epileptogenesis and nociception.
Precautions before taking Gabapin (Gabapantin)
Prior to taking Gabapentin inform your doctor if you have
any allergies to Gabapentin or other allergies
mental / mood problems (thoughts of suicide, depression)
kidney disease
breathing problems
use / abuse of drugs
use of alcohol
Gabapentin may make you dizzy, confused or disoriented. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana can increase the risk of drowsiness. Do not operate machinery, drive a car or do anything that require alertness until you can do it safely. Understand how this medication affects you.
Do not take any alcoholic beverages.
Older adult patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. They may experience:
dizziness
swelling in the feet, hands, ankles
shallow or slow breathing
loss of coordination
If you are pregnant you must take Gabapentin only if it's absolutely. Discuss with your doctor the risks and the benefits involved.
Nursing mothers must discuss with the doctor if it is safe to feed the baby while taking Gabapentin.
About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Taking Gabapin together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Side Effects of Gabapin (Gabapantin)
Gabapin may have unwanted side effects in some people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Tell your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Gabapin.
dizziness
unusual eye movements
drowsiness
blurred / double vision
loss of coordination
tiredness
tremors (shakiness)
Some people who take anticonvulsants may experience suicidal thoughts or attempts, depression or other mental or mood problems. Inform your doctor immediately if you or any of your family or the caregiver notice any unusual or sudden mood changes, thoughts or behavior changes in you, including signs of depression.
A serious allergy reaction is extremely rare with Gabapentin. In case you show the following symptoms get to the emergency clinic
itching
dizziness
trouble breathing
swelling in the face, throat, tongue, throat
rash - itching
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Do not be alarmed by the lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
Interaction with Gabapin (Gabapantin)
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
Alcohol may reduce the efficacy of the medicine therefore, its consumption must be avoided.
Also tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
orlistat
If you are taking any other medication which will cause drowsiness including
marijuana
muscle relaxants
alcohol
antihistamines such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine
medications for anxiety or sleep (diazepam, zolpidem, alprazolam)
narcotic pain relievers (codeine, morphine)
If you are taking any cough and cold medications or allergy medicine read the labels to ensure that those medications do not contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.
Any other medications that contain Gabapentin should not be taken.
If you are doing laboratory tests for urine protein inform your laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication as it may interfere with the test.
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Gabapin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Storage of Gabapin (Gabapantin)
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 77°F); protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Gabapin tablets in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away capsules that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Gabapin should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Gabapin or Gabapantin
Formula: Gabapin | C9H17NO2
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