Gabapentin

Description

Gabapentin was introduced in 1993 in the UK and early 1994 in the USA as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of refractory partial seizures and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Although being a lipophilic analog of the neurotransmitter GABA, gabapentin appears to exert its anticonvulsive function by a GABA receptor independent mechanism, possibly involving the L-system amino acid transporter protein. Gabapentin easily crosses the blood brain barrier and exhibits a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with high tolerability. It does not interfere with the metabolism of other concomitant administered antiepileptic drugs, thus having a low potential for drug interactions. Studies are currently underway for the use of gabapentin as mono-therapy for the treatment of various seizures.

Chemical Properties

White Crystalline Solid

Uses

Gabapentin is an Amino acid structurally related to γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), designed to cross the blood brain barrier. Used as an anticonvulsant.

Definition

ChEBI: A gamma-amino acid that is cyclohexane substituted at position 1 by aminomethyl and carboxymethyl groups. Used for treatment of neuropathic pain and restless legs syndrome.

Indications

Gabapentin (Neurontin) significantly decreases pain scores and sleep interference associated with PHN. An initial dose of 300 mg/day is increased over 4 weeks (900, 1,800, 2,400, 3,600 mg/day divided t.i.d.) until efficacy is obtained or side effects become intolerable.

Biological Functions

Gabapentin (Neurotonin) was initially designed to be a rigid analogue of GABA. When it was discovered to have antiepileptic properties, it was assumed that this activity was related to a GABAergic mechanism. However, subsequent studies have failed to show any GABAergic activity of gabapentin. Although it has not yet been possible to ascribe any definite mechanism to its antiepileptic activity, there is recent evidence that it may function as an agonist at GABAB receptors in the brain.
Gabapentin is recommended as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults.When used with other drugs, it appears to be an effective AED; it is usually not effective when employed alone for patients with severe seizures.
Gabapentin is generally well tolerated, with somnolence, dizziness, and ataxia the most commonly reported adverse effects. A low incidence of potentially serious side effects and no significant allergic reactions have been reported.

General Description

Gabapentin and its closely related analog pregabalin,(S)-3-isobutyl-GABA, are broad-spectrum anticonvulsantswith multiple mechanisms of action.24,51 Inaddition to modulating calcium influx and stimulateGABA biosynthesis as discussed earlier, they also competefor the biosynthesis of L-glutamic acid because oftheir structural similarity to L-leucine.51 Gabapentin andpregabalin have very little liability for causing metabolicbaseddrug–drug interactions, particularly when used incombination with other AEDs because they are not metabolizedin humans. More than 95% of the drug is excretedunchanged through the kidneys. However, there are somedifferences in their bioavailability. Unlike gabapentin,which exhibits 60% bioavailability when given in lowdoses because of intestinal uptake by a saturable smallneutral L-amino acid transporter, the absorption of pregabalinis almost complete (98%) and exhibits an ideal linear pharmacokinetic profile.24 This high bioavailability of pregabalincan be attributed to its closer structure similarity tothe essential amino acid, L-leucine.

Biological Activity

Anticonvulsant with several possible mechanisms of action. Increases GABA in the brain and binds to a novel site associated with voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channels. Prevents neuronal death and is antinociceptive and anxiolytic.

Side effects

Dose-limiting adverse effects include somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, peripheral edema, and infection (22).

Side effects

Long-Term Side Effects of Gabapentin:

• Mood changes.
• Behavioral changes.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Memory loss.
• Weakened muscles.