GENERIC NAME: citalopram

BRAND NAME: Celexa

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Citalopram is an antidepressant medication that affects neurotransmitters, the
chemicals that nerves within the brain use to communicate with each other. Neurotransmitters are manufactured and
released by nerves and then travel and attach to nearby nerves. Thus, neurotransmitters can be thought of as the
communication system of the brain. Many experts believe that an imbalance among neurotransmitters is the cause
of depression. Citalopram works by preventing the uptake of one neurotransmitter, serotonin, by nerve cells after it
has been released. Since uptake is an important mechanism for removing released neurotransmitters and
terminating their actions on adjacent nerves, the reduced uptake caused by citalopram results in more free serotonin
in the brain to stimulate nerve cells. Citalopram is in the class of drugs calledselective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs), a class that also containsfluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Citalopram
was approved by the FDA in July 1998.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10, 20, and 40 mg. Solution: 10 mg/5 ml
STORAGE: Citalopram should be stored at room temperature, 15 to 30 C (59 to 86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Citalopram is used for the management of depression. Citalopram also is used for
treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD),panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric syndrome (PMDD), anxiety
disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
DOSING: The usual starting dose is 20 mg in the morning or evening. The dose may be increased to 40 mg daily
after one week. A dose of 60 mg has not been shown to be more effective than 40 mg. As with all antidepressants, it
may take several weeks of treatment before maximum effects are seen. Doses are often slowly adjusted upwards to
find the most effective dose.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: All SSRIs, including citalopram, should not be taken with any of the mono-amine oxidase
(MAO) inhibitor-class ofantidepressants, for example, isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine
(Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl), and procarbazine (Matulane). Such combinations may lead to confusion, high blood
pressure, tremor, and hyperactivity. If treatment is to be changed from citalopram to an MAOI or vice-versa, there
should be a 14 day period without either drug before the alternative drug is started. Tryptophan, a common dietary
supplement, can cause headaches, nausea, sweating, and dizziness when taken with any SSRI. Linezolid and
intravenous methylene blue are also MAO inhibitors and should not be combined with citalopram.
Use of an SSRI with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other drugs that affect bleeding may increase
the likelihood of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
PREGNANCY: Exposure of neonates to citalopram in the third trimester may cause complications.
NURSING MOTHERS: Citalopram is excreted in breast milk. Breastfeedingby a citalopram treated
woman may cause adverse effects in the infant.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects associated with citalopram are nausea, dry
mouth, vomiting, excessive sweating, headache, tremor, drowsiness, and inability to sleep. Overall,

between 1 in 6 and 1 in 5 persons experience a side effect. Citalopram is also associated with sexual
dysfunction. Some patients may experience withdrawal reactions upon stopping citalopram. Symptoms
of withdrawal include dizziness, tingling sensations, tiredness, vivid dreams, and irritability or poor
mood.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies
in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the
use of citalopram or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the
clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening,
suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Xelevia uses and description

Sort by popularity

Xelevia - Xelevia is an orally-active member of the new dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class
of drugs. The benefit of this medicine is expected to be its lower side-effects of hypoglycemia in the
control of blood glucose values. The drug works to diminish the effects of a protein/enzyme (by the
inhibition of this protein/enzyme) on the pancreas at the level of release of glucagon (diminishes its
release) and at the level of insulin (increases its synthesis and release) until blood glucose levels are
restored toward normal, in which case the protein/enzyme-enzyme inhibitor becomes less effective
and the amounts of insulin released diminishes thus diminishing the "overshoot" of hypoglycemia
seen in other oral hypoglycemic agents.
Indication: For use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with
type 2 diabetes mellitus. Also for use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic
control in combination with metformin or a PPAR agonist (e.g., thiazolidinediones) when the single
agent alone, with diet and exercise, does not provide adequate glycemic control.
Indications: diabetes mellitus
Active ingredients: Sitagliptin
Unit description, dosage

Price, USD

Tablet, Film-Coated; Oral; Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate 100 mg

elevia - General Information:
Xelevia is a new oral hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic drug) of the new dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)
inhibitor class of drugs. This enzyme-inhibiting drug is to be used either alone or in combination with
metformin or a thiazolidinedione for control of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The drug works to
competitively inhibit a protein/enzyme, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), that results in an increased
amount of active incretins (GLP-1 and GIP), reduced amount of release of glucagon (diminishes its
release) and increased release of insulin.
Pharmacology:
Xelevia is an orally-active member of the new dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class of drugs.
The benefit of this medicine is expected to be its lower side-effects of hypoglycemia in the control of
blood glucose values. The drug works to diminish the effects of a protein/enzyme (by the inhibition of
this protein/enzyme) on the pancreas at the level of release of glucagon (diminishes its release) and at
the level of insulin (increases its synthesis and release) until blood glucose levels are restored toward
normal, in which case the protein/enzyme-enzyme inhibitor becomes less effective and the amounts of
insulin released diminishes thus diminishing the "overshoot" of hypoglycemia seen in other oral
hypoglycemic agents.
take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new
medicine.
During periods of stress on the body, such as fever, trauma, infection or surgery, your medication
needs may change; contact your doctor right away.
How should I take JANUVIA?

Take JANUVIA exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.

Take JANUVIA by mouth once a day.

Take JANUVIA with or without food.

If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe lower doses of JANUVIA. Your doctor
may perform blood tests on you from time to time to measure how well your kidneys are
working.

Your doctor may prescribe JANUVIA along with certain other medicines that lower blood sugar.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of
JANUVIA.
If you take too much JANUVIA, call your doctor or local Poison Control Center right away.
What else should I know about blood sugar control?

Monitor your blood sugar as your doctor tells you to.

Stay on your prescribed diet and exercise program while taking JANUVIA.

Talk to your doctor about how to prevent, recognize and manage low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and complications of diabetes.

Your doctor will monitor your diabetes with regular blood tests, including your blood sugar
levels and your hemoglobin A1C.
What are the possible side effects of JANUVIA?
The most common side effects of JANUVIA include:

Upper respiratory infection

Stuffy or runny nose and sore throat

Headache
JANUVIA may occasionally cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Other side effects may occur when using JANUVIA. For more information, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
How Should I store JANUVIA?

Store JANUVIA at room temperature, 68 to 77F (20 to 25C).

Keep JANUVIA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the use of JANUVIA
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information
leaflets. Do not use JANUVIA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give JANUVIA to
other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
This leaflet summarizes the most important information about JANUVIA. If you would like to know more
information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for additional information
about JANUVIA that is written for health professionals. For more information go to www.JANUVIA.com
OR CALL 1-800-622-4477.
What are the ingredients in JANUVIA?
Active ingredient: sitagliptin phosphate
Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose
sodium, magnesium stearate, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The tablet film coating contains the
following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, red iron
oxide, and yellow iron oxide.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body does not make enough insulin, and the insulin that
your body produces does not work as well as it should. Your body can also make too much sugar. When
this happens, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood. This can lead to serious medical problems.
The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower your blood sugar to a normal level. Lowering and
controlling blood sugar may help prevent or delay complications of diabetes, such as heart disease,
kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.
High blood sugar can be lowered by diet and exercise, and by certain medicines when necessary.
For use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes
mellitus. Also for use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control in
combination with metformin or a PPAR agonist (e.g., thiazolidinediones) when the single agent alone,
with diet and exercise, does not provide adequate glycemic control.

Effective weight loss

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The best treatment for cellulite
Mechanism Of Action:
Xelevia is a DPP-4 inhibitor, which is believed to exert its actions in patients with type 2 diabetes by
slowing the inactivation of incretin hormones. Concentrations of the active intact hormones are
increased by sitagliptin, thereby increasing and prolonging the action of these hormones. Incretin
hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide
(GIP), are released by the intestine throughout the day, and levels are increased in response to a meal.
These hormones are rapidly inactivated by the enzyme, DPP-4. The incretins are part of an endogenous
system involved in the physiologic regulation of glucose homeostasis. When blood glucose
concentrations are normal or elevated, GLP-1 and GIP increase insulin synthesis and release from
pancreatic beta cells by intracellular signaling pathways involving cyclic AMP. GLP-1 also lowers
glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, leading to reduced hepatic glucose production. By
increasing and prolonging active incretin levels, sitagliptin increases insulin release and decreases
glucagon levels in the circulation in a glucose-dependent manner. Xelevia demonstrates selectivity for
DPP-4 and does not inhibit DPP-8 or DPP-9 activity in vitro at concentrations approximating those from
therapeutic doses.
Avelox
(moxifloxacin)

In this factsheet:

How does Avelox work? What will it do for me?

How should I use Avelox?

What form(s) does Avelox come in?

Who should NOT take Avelox?

What side effects are possible with Avelox?

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Avelox?

What other drugs could interact with Avelox?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)
02246414
AVELOX IV 400MG PER 250ML INTRAVEINOUS SOLUTION

How does Avelox work? What will it do for me?

Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of medications known asquinolones. It is used
to treat infections caused by certain bacteria.
Moxifloxacin tablets are most commonly used to treat infections of the sinuses and lungs. Moxifloxacin
given intravenously (injected into a vein) is most commonly used to treat infections of the lungs and
complicated infections of the skin and abdomen.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in
these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of
the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you
are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you
do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use Avelox?
The recommended adult dose of moxifloxacin is 400 mg once daily. The medication may be
taken for 5 to 21 days depending on the particular infection being treated.
Moxifloxacin tablets should be swallowed whole with plenty of fluids. They may be taken with or
without food. Moxifloxacin tablets should be taken at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after
multivitamins that contain iron or zinc, antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum, or sucralfate.
Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure if your multivitamins or antacids contain these ingredients.
Moxifloxacin intravenous solution is given into a vein over 60 minutes.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other
medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different

from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without
consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it
as soon as possible and continue with the next dose 24 hours later. Do not take more than 1 dose
within any 24 hour period. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are
not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store the tablets at room temperature and do not allow them to freeze. The intravenous solution is
stored at room temperature and protected from light.
Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household
garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have
expired.
ENERIC NAME: MOXIFLOXACIN - ORAL (mox-ih-FLOX-uh-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Avelox
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions |
Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: This medication may rarely cause tendon damage (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture)
during or after treatment. Your risk for tendon problems is greater if you are over 60 years of age, if
you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or if you have a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.
Stop exercising, rest, and get medical help right away if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or
swelling.
Moxifloxacin should not be used by patients with myasthenia gravis. It may cause the condition to
become worse. Get medical help right away if you develop muscle weakness or trouble breathing
USES: Moxifloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. This medication belongs to a class
of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats
only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary
use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by
your pharmacist before you start using moxifloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your
medical condition and response to treatment. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this drug unless your
doctor tells you otherwise.Take this medication at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after taking other
products that may bind to it, decreasing its effectiveness. Ask your pharmacist about the other
products you take. Some examples include:quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals (including iron and
zinc supplements), and products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (such as
antacids, didanosine solution, calcium supplements).Antibiotics work best when the amount of
medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced
intervals.Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if
symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache,
weakness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has
judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this
medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including: unusual bruising/bleeding, signs of a new infection (such as new/persistent fever,
persistent sore throat), unusual change in the amount of urine, signs of liver problems (such as
unusual tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine).Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
severe/persistent headache, vision changes, shaking (tremors), seizures, severe dizziness, fainting,
fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, hallucinations,depression,
rare thoughts of suicide).Rarely, this medication may cause serious, possibly permanent, nerve
problems (peripheral neuropathy). Stop taking moxifloxacin and tell your doctor right away if you have
any of the following symptoms: pain/numbness/burning/tingling/weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or
feet, changes in how you sense touch/pain/temperature/vibration/body position.This medication may
rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of

resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has
stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach
pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain
medications if you have any of these symptoms because these products may make them worse.Use of
this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection.
Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other
new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right
away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling
(especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
NDICATIONS
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of AVELOX and
other antibacterial drugs, AVELOX should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or
strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information
are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence
of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of
therapy.
AVELOX Tablets and IV are indicated for the treatment of adults ( 18 years of age) with infections
caused by susceptible isolates of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below
[see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Use In Specific Populations].

NEURONTIN CONSUMER
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible
information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or
appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the
advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete
information about this product and your specific health needs.
GABAPENTIN - ORAL
(gab-uh-PEN-tin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Neurontin
USES: Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It is also used to
relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults.
Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional
labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a
condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Gabapentin may also be used to treat other nerve pain conditions (such as diabetic neuropathy,
peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia) and restless legs syndrome.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by
your pharmacist before you start taking gabapentin and each time you get a refill. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on
your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.
If you are taking the tablets and your doctor directs you to split the tablet in half, take the other halftablet at your next scheduled dose. Discard half tablets if not used within several days of splitting
them. If you are taking the capsules, swallow them whole with plenty of water.

It is very important to follow your doctor's dosing instructions exactly. During the first few days of
treatment, your doctor may gradually increase your dose so your body can adjust to the medication. To
minimize side effects, take the very first dose at bedtime.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This drug works best when the amount
of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take gabapentin at evenly spaced
intervals at the same time(s) each day. If you are taking this medication 3 times a day to control
seizures, do not let more than 12 hours pass between doses because your seizures may increase.
Do not take this medication more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your
condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may increase.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse
when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may interfere with the absorption of this medication.
Therefore, if you are also taking an antacid, it is best to take gabapentin at least 2 hours after taking
the antacid.
Different forms of gabapentin (such as immediate-release, sustained-release, enacarbil sustainedrelease) are absorbed in the body differently. Do not switch from one form to the other without
consulting your doctor.
INDICATIONS
NEURONTIN (gabapentin) is indicated for:

Management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults

Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures, with and without secondary
generalization, in adults and pediatric patients 3 years and older with epilepsy
Gabapentin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to gabapentin: hives;
fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of
your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety,
depression, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have
thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have:

increased seizures;

fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms;

skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath;

confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at
all;

new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;

rapid back and forth movement of your eyes; or

severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes,
skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Some side effects are more likely in children taking gabapentin. Contact your doctor if the child taking
this medication has any of the following side effects:

changes in behavior;

memory problems;

trouble concentrating; or

acting restless, hostile, or aggressive.

Common gabapentin side effects may include:

dizziness, drowsiness;

dry mouth, blurred vision;

headache;

diarrhea; or

swelling in your hands or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice
about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism Of Action
The precise mechanisms by which gabapentin produces its analgesic and antiepileptic actions are
unknown.
In animal models of analgesia, gabapentin prevents allodynia (pain-related behavior in response to a
normally innocuous stimulus) and hyperalgesia (exaggerated response to painful stimuli). Gabapentin
prevents pain-related responses in several models of neuropathic pain in rats and mice (e.g., spinal
nerve ligation models, spinal cord injury model, acute herpes zoster infection model). Gabapentin also
decreases pain-related responses after peripheral inflammation (carrageenan footpad test, late phase
of formalin test), but does not alter immediate pain-related behaviors (rat tail flick test, formalin
footpad acute phase). The relevance of these models to human pain is not known.
Gabapentin exhibits antiseizure activity in mice and rats in both the maximal electroshock and
pentylenetetrazole seizure models and other preclinical models (e.g., strains with genetic epilepsy,
etc.). The relevance of these models to human epilepsy is not known.
Gabapentin is structurally related to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) but has no
effect on GABA binding, uptake or degradation. Gabapentin did not exhibit affinity for a number of
other common receptor ion channel, or transporter proteins. In vitro studies have shown that
gabapentin binds with high-affinity to the &apha;2 subunit of voltage-activated calcium channels;
however, the relationship of this binding to the therapeutic effects of gabapentin is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics
All pharmacological actions following gabapentin administration are due to the activity of the parent
compound; gabapentin is not appreciably metabolized in humans.
Oral Bioavailability
Gabapentin bioavailability is not dose proportional; i.e., as dose is increased, bioavailability decreases.
Bioavailability of gabapentin is approximately 60%, 47%, 34%, 33%, and 27% following 900, 1200,
2400, 3600, and 4800 mg/day given in 3 divided doses, respectively. Food has only a slight effect on
the rate and extent of absorption of gabapentin (14% increase in AUC and Cmax).
Distribution
Less than 3% of gabapentin circulates bound to plasma protein. The apparent volume of distribution of
gabapentin after 150 mg intravenous administration is 586 L (mean SD). In patients with epilepsy,
steady-state predose (Cmin) concentrations of gabapentin in cerebrospinal fluid were approximately
20% of the corresponding plasma concentrations.
Elimination
Gabapentin is eliminated from the systemic circulation by renal excretion as unchanged drug.
Gabapentin is not appreciably metabolized in humans.
Gabapentin elimination half-life is 5 to 7 hours and is unaltered by dose or following multiple dosing.
Gabapentin elimination rate constant, plasma clearance, and renal clearance are directly proportional
to creatinine clearance. In elderly patients, and in patients with impaired renal function, gabapentin
plasma clearance is reduced. Gabapentin can be removed from plasma by hemodialysis.

Gabapentin may cause you to feel drowsy. Make sure your

reactions are normal before you drive or use tools or machines.
Do not take antacid preparations during the two hours before and
the two hours after you take gabapentin.
Do not stop taking gabapentin without speaking to your doctor
first. Stopping taking gabapentin suddenly can cause problems.

About gabapentin
Type of medicine

Antiepileptic

Used for

Epilepsy
Neuropathic pain (pain resulting from damage to nerves)

Also called

Neurontin

Available as

Tablets, capsules and oral liquid medicine

Gabapentin is used either alone or alongside other medicines in the treatment of partial seizures,
which are a type of epilepsy. A seizure is a short episode of symptoms which is caused by a burst of
abnormal electrical activity in the brain. With a partial seizure, the burst of electrical activity stays in
one part of the brain. Therefore, you tend to have localised or 'focal' symptoms. Gabapentin is used to
control the symptoms of seizures and works by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain,
but exactly how it does this is not fully understood.
Gabapentin is also used to treat certain types of long-lasting pain caused by damage to nerves. This
type of pain, called neuropathic pain, can be caused by a number of different diseases, such
as diabetes (where it is called diabetic neuropathy) and shingles (where it is called postherpetic
neuralgia).
Although gabapentin is only licensed for use in epilepsy and neuropathic pain, it may also prescribed
to help to prevent attacks of migraine. If you have been given it for this reason, then you should speak
with your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment.
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Before taking gabapentin
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may
only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking gabapentin it is important
that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

If you have kidney problems.

If you have diabetes.

If you have ever had a mental health problem known aspsychosis.

If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription,
herbal and complementary medicines.

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take gabapentin

Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside
the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about gabapentin and any possible sideeffects from taking it.

Take gabapentin exactly as your doctor has told you to. You will be advised to take a small dose
when you first start taking gabapentin and then to increase your doses over a few days as your
body gets used to it. Your doctor or pharmacist will explain this to you and your dose will also
be on the label of your pack.

Gabapentin is not suitable for children under 6 years of age but, if it has been prescribed for a
child who is older than this, check the label carefully to make sure you are giving the correct
dose.

You can take gabapentin before or after meals. Swallow the tablets/capsules with a drink of
water.

Once you are taking a regular amount of gabapentin, try to take your doses at the same times
each day. This will help you to avoid missing any of your doses.

If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take two doses
together to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you need to take an antacid or indigestion remedy, do not take it during the two hours before
and the two hours after you take gabapentin. This is because they interfere with the way
gabapentin works.
Instructions for using the dosing syringe with gabapentin oral solution:
1. Remove the bottle cap, and push the syringe adaptor into the top of the open bottle.
2. Insert the syringe into the adapter.
3. Turn the bottle (with the syringe connected to it) upside down.
4. Gently pull out the plunger of the syringe so that the solution fills the syringe to the mark
which corresponds to your dose.
5. Turn the bottle the correct way up again, and remove the syringe from the bottle.
6. Put the tip of the syringe into your mouth, and gently push the plunger so that the liquid is
released into your mouth.
7. Replace the bottle cap. Wash the syringe with water after each use.
Getting the most from your treatment

Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on
your progress.

If you are taking gabapentin for epilepsy, when you first start a new treatment there may be a
change in the number or type of seizures you experience. Your doctor will advise you about
this.

People with epilepsy must stop driving at first. Your doctor will advise you about when it may
be possible for you to resume driving again. This will usually be after a year free of seizures.

While you are taking gabapentin, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes or
distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straightaway.

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with gabapentin.

If you are a woman and want to have a family, make sure you discuss this with your doctor.
This is so that you can be given advice from a specialist before you become pregnant.

Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping gabapentin
suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose
gradually if this is necessary.
Can gabapentin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not
everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but
speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become
troublesome.
Common gabapentin side-effects - these affect around
1 in 10 people who take this medicine

What can I do if I experience

this?

Feeling drowsy, tired, unsteady or dizzy

Blurred vision and other eyesight problems

If any of these happen, do not

drive or use tools or machines

Headache

Ask your pharmacist to

recommend a suitable painkiller

Feeling or being sick, indigestion, stomach ache

Try eating smaller meals and stick

to simple foods

Diarrhoea

Drink plenty of water to replace

the lost fluids

Constipation

Try to eat a well-balanced diet and

drink plenty of water each day

Dry mouth

Try chewing sugar-free gum or

sucking sugar-free sweets

Infections, flu-like symptoms, an increased appetite, flushing,

increased blood pressure, changes in weight, changes in
emotions or mood, fits, movement difficulties, feeling shaky,
difficulty sleeping,
tingling feelings, vertigo, breathing difficulties, cough, gum
changes, bruises, muscle or joint pains, impotence, and
swollen feet or ankles

If any of these become

troublesome, speak with your
doctor for advice

Important: if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor for advice
straightaway:

Severe stomach pain with sickness (these may be symptoms of an inflamed pancreas).

A skin rash, or any swelling of your mouth or face (these may be symptoms of an allergic
reaction).

Any yellowing of your skin or of the whites of your eyes (these may be symptoms of jaundice).

Any unusual bruising or bleeding (these may be symptoms of a blood disorder).

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with
your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store gabapentin

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Once a bottle of gabapentin oral solution has been opened, it will keep for 30 days. After this
time, make sure you have a fresh supply.