Neurontin: Salient Aspects

Neurontin is a prescription drug manufactured by Pfizer Inc. It was first approved for use by the FDA in 1993. It is mainly prescribed with other medications to treat partial seizures, in which symptoms are limited. It is however also used to relieve the burning nerve pain that sometimes persists for months or even years after an attack of shingles or herpes zoster.

Chemistry and Ingredients

Generically known as gabapentin, Neurontin is available in capsule, tablet and liquid form. Gabapentin is described as 1-(aminomethyl) cyclohexaneacetic acid with a molecular weight of 171.24. Its molecular formula is C9H17NO2. Gabapentin is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a pKa1 of 3.7 and a pKa2 of 10.7. It is freely soluble in water.

Supplied as an imprinted hard shell capsules containing 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg of gabapentin, elliptical film-coated tablets containing 600 mg and 800 mg of gabapentin or an oral solution containing 250 mg/5 mL of gabapentin, Neurontin contains the following inactive ingredients. The in active ingredients for the capsules are lactose, cornstarch, and talc. The 100 mg capsule shell contains gelatin and titanium dioxide. The 300 mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide. The 400 mg capsule shell contains gelatin, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide. The imprinting ink contains FD&C Blue No. 2 and titanium dioxide. The inactive ingredients for the tablets are poloxamer 407, copolyvidonum, cornstarch, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, candelilla wax and purified water. The imprinting ink for the 600 mg tablets contains synthetic black iron oxide, pharmaceutical shellac, pharmaceutical glaze, propylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide, isopropyl alcohol and n-butyl alcohol. The imprinting ink for the 800 mg tablets contains synthetic yellow iron oxide, synthetic red iron oxide, hypromellose, propylene glycol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol and deionized water.

The inactive ingredients for the Neurontin oral solution are glycerin, xylitol, purified water and artificial cool strawberry anise flavor.

Warnings

It is very important that you take Neurontin exactly as directed by your doctor. To effectively control your seizures, Neurontin is prescribed thrice a day, after approximately every 8 hours. Do not go longer than 12 hours without a dose of this medication, or else seizures will reappear.

Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking Neurontin in the case of any emergency.

This drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people; exercise caution while operating machinery, driving or performing any hazardous activities. Do not increase or decrease the dosage of this medication without your doctor's approval; or suddenly stop taking it, as this may cause seizures to recur.

If you are taking any antacid, remember to take Neurontin at least 2 hours after before it.

In children, Neurontin occasionally triggers behavioral problems such as unstable emotions, hostility, aggression, hyperactivity, and lack of concentration, these problems are however, usually mild.

Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any kidney problems or are on dialysis, as your dosage of Neurontin, will need to be adjusted.

Drug Interactions

If Neurontin is taken with certain other drugs its effects can be altered. Check with your doctor using Neurontin with the following:

• Antacids
• Hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin)
• Naproxen (Naprosyn)
• Morphine (Kadian, MS Contin)

The effects of Neurontin on pregnant women have not been adequately studied; however this drug has been known to cause birth defects in babies whose mothers took Neurontin while they were pregnant. The drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Side Effects

Some side effects of Neurontin include;
Rare or uncommon:

• difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat
• swelling of lips or tongue
• rash

May occur in children:

• Fever
• Hyperactivity
• hostile or aggressive behavior
• mood changes or changes in behavior
• difficulty concentrating

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention include;

• constipation
• difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements
• dizziness, drowsiness
• dry mouth
• back pain, joint aches and pains
• indigestion, gas or heartburn
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
• restlessness
• impotence
• skin itching
• slurred speech
• sore gums
• tremor
• weight gain