Gabapentin
Gabapentin is used in veterinary medicine for adjunctive seizure control.
Group
Gabapentinoid
Mechanism of Action
Binds the alpha-2-delta calcium-channel subunit, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjunctive epilepsy | 10–20 mg/kg | PO | Every 8 h | |
| Neuropathic pain — Initial | 5–15 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Neuropathic pain — Maintenance | 40 mg/kg | PO | Every 8–12 h | Upper reported escalation, reached gradually only if needed and tolerated. |
| Behavior adjunct | 5–30 mg/kg | PO | Every 8 h | Up to three times daily; start low and change dose about 7 days apart. |
| Situational anxiety | 30–60 mg/kg | PO | Once | 1–2 hours before the anticipated event. |
| Chronic pain adjunct | 3 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | |
| Chronic pain adjunct | 1.25–10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjunctive epilepsy | 5–10 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Adjunctive epilepsy | 20 mg/kg | PO | Every 8–12 h | Escalation in selected cats. |
| Neuropathic pain | 5–10 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Situational anxiety | 100 mg/animal | PO | Once | Source fixed regimen, approximately 90 minutes before the event; peak effects 2–3 hours. Individualize in small, frail or renally impaired cats. |
| Situational anxiety | 20–30 mg/kg | PO | Once | Weight-based alternative; do not add to the fixed-dose regimen. |
| Chronic pain adjunct | 3 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | |
| Chronic pain adjunct | 1.25–10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | |
| Neuropathic pain | 2.5–5 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | Titrate to effect and sedation; reduce in renal insufficiency and taper gradually. |
| Refractory seizures adjunct | 5–10 mg/kg | PO | Every 8–12 h | |
| Refractory seizures adjunct | 10–30 mg/kg | PO | Every 8–12 h |
Horse
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuropathic pain | 2.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Laminitis adjunct | 2.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 8 h | |
| Laminitis adjunct | 2.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Laminitis adjunct | 2.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | |
| Laminitis adjunct | 10 mg/kg | PO | Every 8–12 h | Higher studied exposure; clinical efficacy remains uncertain and oral absorption is low. |
Indications
- Adjunctive seizure control
- Neuropathic pain
- Situational anxiety
Contraindications
- Adjust for impaired clearance; avoid abrupt withdrawal after sustained treatment.
- Avoid xylitol-containing formulations in dogs.
Interactions
- Antacids reduce absorption; separate by 2 hours.
- Sedatives and anesthetics may require lower doses.
Adverse effects
- Sedation and ataxia
- GI upset at high doses
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gabapentin 100 mg | Tablet | 100 mg / tablet | PO |
| Gabapentin 300 mg | Tablet | 300 mg / tablet | PO |
| Gabapentin 400 mg | Tablet | 400 mg / tablet | PO |
| Gabapentin 600 mg | Tablet | 600 mg / tablet | PO |
| Gabapentin 800 mg | Tablet | 800 mg / tablet | PO |
| Gabapentin 100 mg capsule | Capsule | 100 mg / capsule | PO |
| Gabapentin 300 mg capsule | Capsule | 300 mg / capsule | PO |
| Gabapentin 400 mg capsule | Capsule | 400 mg / capsule | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor sedation and functional benefit; evidence for pain varies by condition. Taper prolonged therapy.
Avoid xylitol-containing oral products in dogs. Transdermal delivery in cats has not provided reliable therapeutic exposure.
A 50 mg/mL human oral solution is described, but xylitol-containing products are not included as routine canine preparations. Extended-release Gralise is not interchangeable with these immediate-release regimens.