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Gabapentin is a structural analogue of GABA - an inhibitory
neurotransmitter. The mechanism of action of gabapentin is not well understood,
although it does not affect GABA binding or reuptake, or behave as a GABA
agonist. Gabapentin is used in human medicine for the treatment of seizures
and many types of pain, including neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy,
malignant pain, central pain, complex regional pain and trigeminal neuralgia.
Gabapentin is used in both dogs and cats for the treatment of chronic pain, particularly of neuropathic origin. It appears to be most effective when combined with other types of analgesic agents, for example NSAIDs, permitting the use of lower doses. It has been shown to be effective at reducing hyperalagesia and allodynia associated with neuropathic pain. It is also used in chronic arthritic pain and pain associated with malignancy.
Gabapentin is used as an adjunctive therapy for dogs and cats with refractory idiopathic epilepsy. There are conflicting clinical reports regarding its efficacy when used for this purpose although some studies report improvement in as many as 50 percent of dogs studied.
In dogs, oral gabapentin is well absorbed in the duodenum,
with peak levels occurring approximately one to two hours after administration.
It is partially metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
Gabapentin has a short half-life of between two to four hours. No pharmacokinetic
information regarding uptake and metabolism was found for cats.
Gabapentin may be used to control seizures in foals
suffering from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
• The most common side effects are mild sedation
and ataxia.
• Gabapentin should be used with caution in animals
with decreased liver or renal function.
• Gabapentin should not be discontinued abruptly because withdrawal
may precipitate seizures or rebound pain. The dosage should be decreased
over the course of two to three weeks.
• In laboratory animals, gabapentin was associated with fetal loss
and teratogenic effects. It is also present in milk. It should only be
used during pregnancy or lactation when the benefits outweigh the potential
risks.
• The commercially available human liquid-product contains xylitol,
which can be hepatotoxic in dogs.
• Simultaneous administration of oral antacids may decrease the
bioavailability of gabapentin. They should be given at least two hours
apart.
• Co-administration of hydrocodone or morphine may increase gabapentin
efficacy or levels and the likelihood of side effects.
• Overdose would likely cause increased severity of side effects including lethargy, somnolence, depression and ataxia. If recognized promptly, gut-emptying protocols including emesis, activated charcoal and cathartics may be helpful.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
The information contained on this site
is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does
not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary medicines are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
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