GABAPENTIN (oral solution)
| Ingredients: | gabapentin, excipients |
| Application: | orally |
| Type of formulation: | Anti-stress, analgesic, anticonvulsant |
DESCRIPTION
A clear solution ranging in color from colorless to light yellow.
COMPOSITION
Each 1 ml of the product contains:
- gabapentin – 50 mg
Excipients: sodium benzoate, sucralose, carboxymethylcellulose, disodium EDTA (Trilon B), sodium metabisulfite, polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), flavoring agent, glycerin, purified water.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
ATCvet classification code: QN02 – Veterinary products acting on the nervous system.
Subgroup: QN02BF01 – Gabapentin.
GABAPENTIN Oral Solution is an anticonvulsant and analgesic used to treat pain, seizures, and anxiety in various animal species.
Gabapentin (1-aminomethylcyclohexaneacetic acid) is a structural analog of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but it differs significantly from traditional GABAergic drugs in its mechanism of action.
Gabapentin does not alter GABA metabolism and does not bind to GABA-A or GABA-B receptors, nor does it interact with other neurotransmitter receptors or sodium channels.
The primary mechanism involves selective binding to the α₂δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in presynaptic neurons, leading to:
- Anticonvulsant effects
- Reduced release of excitatory neurotransmitters (glutamate, substance P, norepinephrine)
- Decreased neuronal hyperactivity and central sensitization associated with neuropathic pain and anxiety.
Therapeutic Effects:
- Helps control refractory seizures or when standard treatment is ineffective
- Effective for general anxiety, especially related to: thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, vet/grooming visits
- Reduces excitatory neurotransmitter release, creating a calming effect
- Provides pain relief at both spinal and brain levels, especially for: chronic/neuropathic pain (e.g., arthritis), post-surgical pain, use alongside NSAIDs or opioids for enhanced pain control
Pharmacokinetics:
- Peak plasma concentration in dogs and cats: 2–3 hours after oral administration
- Half-life: 6–8 hours
- Bioavailability: ~60%
- Food has no effect on absorption
- Minimal protein binding
- Excretion: Primarily unchanged in urine (cats); partially metabolized in the liver (dogs)
- Reduced clearance in elderly or renally impaired animals
- Elimination correlates with creatinine clearance
Gabapentin does not have sensitizing, embryotoxic, or teratogenic effects at recommended doses.
INDICATIONS
Used in dogs and cats for:
- Stress prevention and behavioral correction
- Anxiety relief, especially during: transportation, grooming, veterinary visits, loud noises and phobias
- Pain management
- Seizure control (epilepsy)
- Behavioral disorders
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
Administered orally, either directly or with a small amount of food.
Pain management:
Administer 2–3 times daily:
Cats & Dogs: 0.1–0.3 ml per kg body weight (equivalent to 5–15 mg of gabapentin per kg)
Low doses given frequently help maintain therapeutic blood levels due to rapid absorption and elimination.
Recommended course: Up to 14 days, longer use only under veterinary supervision.
Stress Prevention / Behavioral Correction
For anxiety-inducing events (transportation, grooming, fireworks, etc.), administer 60–90 minutes prior:
- Cats: 0.2–0.6 ml/kg (10–30 mg gabapentin/kg)
- Dogs: 0.4–1.2 ml/kg (20–60 mg gabapentin/kg)
Gabapentin is less effective for stress prevention in dogs and is not a first-choice drug for them in such cases.
Do not exceed 100 mg/kg (2 ml/kg) in any case.
Start with a moderate dose, and titrate individually based on: temperament, stress level, age, weight
Observe for mild sedation as a sign of appropriate dosing.
Duration of action: 8–12 hours.
Temporary drowsiness or incoordination may occur after the effect wears off.
Can be used in combination therapy.
Avoid missed doses to prevent reduced therapeutic efficacy.
Rinse the dosing syringe with water and dry after each use.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Do not use without veterinary supervision
- Hypersensitivity to any component
- Severe renal or hepatic insufficiency
If allergic reaction occurs: discontinue, and use antihistamines/symptomatic therapy.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
- Use with caution in animals with renal impairment, adjusting dose/frequency accordingly.
- If an animal is on antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, administer gabapentin 2 hours later.
- Gradually taper off after long-term use to avoid rebound pain or anxiety.
Possible Side Effects:
- Hypersalivation (transient)
- Increased appetite (cats)
- Rarely: muscle tremors, seizures, lethargy, vomiting, gI upset
Personal Precautions:
Use standard personal hygiene and safety protocols when handling the product.
OVERDOSE
Do not exceed recommended doses!
Signs of overdose: depression, anorexia, drowsiness, lethargy, gI upset
Treatment: symptomatic therapy, enterosorbents, dialysis in cases of renal failure
Seek immediate veterinary help and bring the product packaging or leaflet.
PACKAGING
Bottles (polymer or glass) of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, or 200 ml
Each pack includes: dosing syringe, instruction leaflet, secondary cardboard packaging
STORAGE
Store in a dry, dark, child- and animal-proof place at 2°C to 25°C.
Do not freeze!
After opening: store in refrigerator at 6–10°C
SHELF LIFE
2 years from date of manufacture
30 days after first opening