When to Use Gabapentin?
There are many evolving indications of Gabapentin under trial. Its main indications are for the treatment of neuropathic pain and epilepsy.
Neuropathic pain
Gabapentin is recommended in neuropathic pain of:
- Post herpetic neuralgia (Shingles)
- Trigeminal Neuralgias
- Peripheral diabetic neuropathies
Epilepsy
Gabapentin is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures with and without secondary generalization in patients over 12 years of age with epilepsy. It is also indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in pediatric patients 3 — 12 years of age.
Contra-Indication
Gabapentin is contra-indicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients.
Usage in Pregnancy
As the animal studies does not establish guidelines for its safe use in pregnancy, this drug should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefits to the patients justifies the potential risk to fetus.
Usage in Nursing Mothers
Gabapentin is secreted into human milk. It should be used in nursing mothers only if the benefits clearly overweight the risks.
Paediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of Gabapentin in the management of post-herpetic neuralgia have not been established Effectiveness as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in paediatric patients below 3 years has not been established.
Geriatric Use
Gabapentin is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and dose should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance values in these patients.
