Neurontin

The proper way to use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor, to help your condition as much as possible. Do not take more or less of it, and do not take it more or less often than your doctor ordered.

Gabapentin may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.

When taking gabapentin 3 times a day, do not allow more than 12 hours to pass between any 2 doses.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you may open the gabapentin capsule and mix the medicine with applesauce or juice. Mix only one dose at a time just before taking it. Do not mix any doses to save for later, because the medicine may change over time and may not work properly.

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 form (capsules):
  • For epilepsy:
    • Adults and teenagers 12 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg a day.
    • Children 3 to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight. To start, 10 to 15 mg per kilogram (4.5 to 6.8 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. The usual dose for children 5 years of age and older is 25 to 35 mg per kilogram (11.3 to 15.9 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses. The usual dose for children 3 to 5 years of age is 40 mg per kilogram (18.1 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses.
    • Children less than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Older adults—Dose must be determined by your doctor, but it is usually not more than 600 mg three times a day.
  • For postherpetic neuralgia
    • Adults and teenagers— At first, 300 milligrams (mg) on day 1. On day 2, 300 milligrams (mg) two times a day. On day 3, 300 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may want to increase your dose to a maximum daily dose of 1800 milligrams (600 milligrams three times a day).
• For oral dosage form (oral solution):
  • For epilepsy:
    • Adults and teenagers 12 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg a day.
    • Children 3 to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight. To start, 10 to 15 mg per kilogram (4.5 to 6.8 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. The usual dose for children 5 years of age and older is 25 to 35 mg per kilogram (11.3 to 15.9 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses. The usual dose for children 3 to 5 years of age is 40 mg per kilogram (18.1 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses.
    • Children less than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Older adults—Dose must be determined by your doctor, but it is usually not more than 600 mg three times a day.
  • For postherpetic neuralgia
    • Adults and teenagers— At first, 300 milligrams (mg) on day 1. On day 2, 300 milligrams (mg) two times a day. On day 3, 300 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may want to increase your dose to a maximum daily dose of 1800 milligrams (600 milligrams three times a day).
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For epilepsy:
    • Adults and teenagers 12 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg a day.
    • Children 3 to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight. To start, 10 to 15 mg per kilogram (4.5 to 6.8 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. The usual dose for children 5 years of age and older is 25 to 35 mg per kilogram (11.3 to 15.9 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses. The usual dose for children 3 to 5 years of age is 40 mg per kilogram (18.1 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses.
    • Children less than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Older adults—Dose must be determined by your doctor, but it is usually not more than 600 mg three times a day.
  • For postherpetic neuralgia
    • Adults and teenagers— At first, 300 milligrams (mg) on day 1. On day 2, 300 milligrams (mg) two times a day. On day 3, 300 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may want to increase your dose to a maximum daily dose of 1800 milligrams (600 milligrams three times a day).

Note: This medicine may be given as a combination of any of the forms it comes in.

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.

Do not allow more than 12 hours to go by between doses. If this happens, call your doctor right away.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Store the liquid form of this medicine in the refrigerator.