DRUG SUPPLIED DOSE COMMENTS
GABAPENTIN (Paeds)
(Neurontin)

Mechanism of action:

Anticonvulsant, analgesic, and anxiolytic; GABA analog that acts by inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs).



Ref: 44, 83


Last update: 2022-07-02
capsule: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
(600 mg, 800 mg not stocked at BCCH)

Oral suspension (BCCH): 100 mg/mL
 Children:
Initial:
Day 1: 5 mg/kg/dose PO daily
Day 2: 5 mg/kg/dose PO BID
Day 3: 5 mg/kg/dose PO TID
(Maximum: 300 mg/dose)
Maintenance:
Dose may be titrated depending on clinical response up to 35 mg/kg/24hr
Maximum:
< 12 years old: 50 mg/kg/24 hr
> 12 years old: 2400 mg/24 hr

Maximum dose may not be needed for maximum effect.

Increased oral doses are associated with decreased bioavailability.		 Evidence of benefit in acute pain management in children is limited.

Not effective as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder and should not be used as monotherapy.

Used to treat restless legs syndrome in adults and occasionally in children/adolescents.

Gradual dose increase helps to minimize sedation.

May need to adjust dose in renal impairment.

Space doses at least 2 hours from antacids (decreases absorption of gabapentin).

Adverse effects: somnolence, ataxia, fatigue, and depression.


Standard Prescription:

gabapentin __mg PO__(frequency) (__mg/kg/24hr)