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Proper Use
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor, to help your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Gabapentin may be taken with or without food. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.
For patients with epilepsy who take gabapentin three times per day, do not allow more than 12 hours to pass between any 2 doses. The medicine works best if a constant amount is in the blood.
If you or your child have trouble swallowing capsules, talk to your doctor about using the tablet or solution form. This medicine may also be given as a combination with any of the forms, such as tablets with solution.
You may break the scored tablets into two pieces, but make sure you or your child use the second half of the tablet as the next dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Measure the oral solution using a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
Gabapentin may be used together with other seizure medicines. Keep using all of your medicines unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage forms (capsules, solution, and tablets):
- For epilepsy:
- Adults and teenagers 12 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) three times per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg per day.
- Children 3 to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 10 to 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided into three doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The usual dose for children 5 years of age and older is 25 to 35 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into three doses. The usual dose for children 3 and 4 years of age is 40 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into three doses.
- Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For postherpetic neuralgia:
- Adults— At first, 300 milligrams (mg) taken as a single dose on day 1. On day 2, 300 mg two times per day. On day 3, 300 mg three times per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For epilepsy:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
You should store the oral solution in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
