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Neurontin®
Diagnosis & Treatment > Seizure Medications > Neurontin® > Introduction to Neurontin
 

Introduction to Neurontin

Neurontin is the brand name used in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some other countries for gabapentin.

As suggested by the generic name, gabapentin, Neurontin was purposely designed to be similar to GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human brain. As it turns out, however, Neurontin does not act like a GABA agonist in the brain. It was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993, and has been taken by over two million patients since then.

Forms
Neurontin is marketed in the United States by Pfizer Inc. The name or appearance may differ in other places. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Capsules

100-mg (white, hard-gelatin)
Capsules with "PD" on one half and "Neurontin 100 mg" on the other.
300-mg (yellow, hard-gelatin)
Capsules with "PD" on one half and "Neurontin 300 mg" on the other.
400-mg (orange, hard-gelatin)
Capsules with "PD" on one half and "Neurontin 400 mg" on the other.

Tablets
600-mg (white, oval, coated)
Scored tablet marked with "NT" and "16" on one side

800-mg (white, oval, coated)
Scored tablet marked with "NT" and "26" on one side

Oral solution
250 mg/5 mL (clear, colorless to slightly yellow)
Liquid with strawberry-anise flavor.

Neurontin is not available in generic formulations.

How to take and store Neurontin
Neurontin can be taken either with food or without food. It has only a slight effect on the rate and extent of absorption. Antacids such as Maalox do affect the absorption of Neurontin, however, so they shouldn't be taken within 2 hours of a dose of Neurontin.

Capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole. Remind patients who take the liquid form to use the same standard measuring device each time so the dose will be accurate.

Patients should store the capsules or tablets at room temperature, away from dampness and direct light. The liquid form of Neurontin should be kept in the refrigerator.

Missed doses
In general, tell patients that if they forget a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, they should delay that dose for a few hours, instead of taking two doses very close together.

Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.