University:
Chamberlain University
Course:
NR224 | Fundamentals I
Academic year:

2021
Views:

48

Pages:

2
Author:

Kaiden Murphy

Drug Study Generic Name: Gabapentin Trade Name(s): Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin Drug Classification: Therapeutic: analgesic adjuncts, therapeutic, anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers Therapeutic Uses: Decreased incidence of seizures. Decreased postherpetic pain. Decreased leg restlessness. Possible Routes of Administration: PO Maximum Dosage/24 hours: Epilepsy: 2400-3600 mg/day, Postherpetic Neuralgia Immediate Release: May be titrated upward as needed up to 600 mg 3 times a day, Restless Legs Syndrome: Extended release (Horizant) - 600 mg once daily at 5 pm, Neuropathic Pain: 3600 mg/day Usual Dosage and Frequency: Epilepsy: 900-1800 mg/day in 3 divided doses, doses should not be more than 12 hrs apart, Postherpetic Neuralgia Immediate Release: 300 mg once daily on first day, then 300 mg 2 times daily on second day, then 300 mg 3 times/day on day 3, Restless Legs Syndrome: Extended release (Horizant) - 600 mg once daily at 5 pm, Neuropathic Pain: 100 mg 3 times daily initially. Titrate weekly by 300 mg/day up to 900-2400 mg/day Patient’s Dose and Frequency: _____________ Mechanism of Action: May affect transport of amino acids across and stabilize neuronal membranes Adverse Effects: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, confusion, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, sedation, anxiety, ANAPHYLAXIS, ANGIOEDEMA, ataxia, anorexia Nursing Implications: • Monitor closely for notable changes in behavior that could indicate the emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression • • Seizures: Assess location, duration, and characteristics of seizure activity. Postherpatic Neuralgia & Neuropathic Pain: Assess location, characteristics, and intensity of pain periodically during therapy • Restless Leg Syndrome: Assess for frequency and intensity of restless leg syndrome prior to and periodically during therapy. • Lab Test Considerations: May cause leukopenia Patient Teaching: • Instruct patient to take medication as directed. Take missed doses as soon as possible. Do not double dose, do not discontinue abruptly, may cause increase in frequency of seizures • Advise patient not to take gabapentin within 2 hrs of an antacid • Gabapentin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known. • Advise patient and family to notify health care professional if thoughts about suicide or dying, attempts to commit suicide, new or worse depression, anxiety, aggression, restlessness or unusual changes in behavior or mood occur