Gabapentin Dosage Calculator
Calculate appropriate gabapentin dosage for various medical conditions with safety guidelines
Calculate Gabapentin Dosage
Gabapentin use in children is primarily for epilepsy treatment
Select the primary condition being treated
Optional for adult dosing reference
Gabapentin requires dose adjustment for kidney impairment
Critical Medical Warning
This calculator provides general dosing guidance only and cannot replace professional medical supervision. Gabapentin requires careful titration, monitoring for side effects, and consideration of drug interactions. Never start, stop, or change gabapentin dosing without consulting a healthcare provider.
Adult Gabapentin Dosing
Individual Dose Schedule
Dosing Schedule: Divide total daily dose into 3 equal doses, taken every 8 hours
Indication: Neuropathic Pain (Postherpetic Neuralgia, Peripheral Neuropathy)
Kidney Function: Normal (CrCl ≥60 mL/min)
Safety Assessment: Standard dosing protocol. Monitor for common side effects like drowsiness.
Typical Titration Schedule
Week 1-2: Initiation
Day 1: Start with 300mg once daily (evening)
Day 2: 300mg twice daily
Day 3+: 300mg three times daily
Monitor: Drowsiness, dizziness, peripheral edema
Week 3+: Maintenance
Increase by 300mg/day every few days as tolerated
Target effective dose based on indication
Monitor for therapeutic response and side effects
Adjust dose based on clinical response and tolerability
Common Side Effects
Drowsiness
Most common side effect
Usually improves with time
Dizziness
Coordination problems
Avoid driving initially
Peripheral Edema
Swelling of extremities
Monitor regularly
Drug Interactions
Opioids: Increased CNS depression risk
Antidepressants: Enhanced sedation
Alcohol: Avoid concurrent use
Antacids: May reduce absorption
Always inform healthcare providers
Understanding Gabapentin Dosing
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain and affecting the way nerves send messages to the brain. It's structurally similar to GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) but works through different mechanisms.
Clinical Uses
- •FDA Approved: Epilepsy, postherpetic neuralgia
- •Off-label: Neuropathic pain, anxiety, fibromyalgia
- •Pediatric: Limited to epilepsy in children 3-12 years
Dosing Principles
Key Dosing Rules:
- • Start low, go slow titration
- • Kidney function determines maximum dose
- • Divide into 2-3 daily doses (most indications)
- • Take with food to improve tolerance
Important: Gabapentin has non-linear pharmacokinetics - higher doses are not always more effective due to saturable absorption. Individual response varies significantly, requiring careful clinical monitoring.