Where To Buy Gabapentin For Dogs

The purpose of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in healthy greyhound dogs after single oral doses targeted at 10 and 20mg/kg PO. Six healthy greyhounds were enrolled (3 males, 3 females). Blood was obtained at predetermined times for the measurement of gabapentin plasma concentrations by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined with computer software. The actual mean (and range) doses administered were 10.2 (9.1-12.0) mg/kg and 20.5 (18.2-24) mg/kg for the 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg targeted dose groups. The mean C(MAX) for the 10 and 20mg/kg groups were 8.54 and 13.22 microg/mL at 1.3 and 1.5h, and the terminal half-lives were 3.3 and 3.4h, respectively. The relative bioavailability of the 10mg/kg group was 1.13 compared to the 20mg/kg group. Gabapentin was rapidly absorbed and eliminated in dogs, indicating that frequent dosing is needed to maintain minimum targeted plasma concentrations.

where to buy gabapentin for dogs

This drug is available in tablets and capsules in 100, 300, 400, 600, and 800 mg dosages. Gabapentin is also available as an oral solution; however, it contains xylitol, a known toxin to dogs, and is not commonly used in dogs due to associated problems such as hypoglycemia.

Pain is not always a bad thing, and all pain is not the same. Acute (protective) pain differs from chronic (maladaptive) pain in terms of function and treatment. Gabapentin and amantadine are used as part of analgesic protocols for chronic pain relief in dogs and cats. This article describes the types of pain, the reasons why chronic pain can be difficult to treat, and the use of gabapentin and amantadine for treatment of chronic pain.

Unfortunately, the changes that lead to chronic pain are neither predictable nor consistent, making pain a truly individual sensation that often requires individual therapy. However, we have a variety of drugs that may effectively treat chronic pain in general and some that treat neuropathic pain in particular.3,5,6,7 This article focuses on 2 attainable and affordable options, gabapentin and amantadine, which are not only fairly specific for neuropathic pain, but are also nonopioid drugs. The opioid shortage has not threatened the supply of these drugs and diversion for human abuse is probably nonexistent. Neither drug is controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

No controlled research studies on the use of gabapentin for the treatment of chronic pain in dogs and cats have been performed. Unfortunately, lack of research is a common problem for most methods of chronic pain treatment in veterinary medicine. Several case reports note analgesia when gabapentin was used for treatment of chronic pain.14,15 And in a clinical study on postoperative pain in dogs undergoing mastectomy, although pain scores did not differ, dogs receiving NSAIDs plus gabapentin required fewer opioid rescue doses than dogs receiving NSAIDs alone; thus, the gabapentin did seem to have an effect.16 When looking at chronic conditions, among dogs with Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia, pain scores did not differ among those receiving gabapentin and those receiving topiramate (an anticonvulsant and treatment for migraines in humans), but quality of life scores were better for the dogs receiving gabapentin.17 However, dogs receiving gabapentin immediately after surgery for herniated disc extrusion, which would be a mix of chronic pain from the disc and acute pain from the surgery, demonstrated no significant pain relief with gabapentin compared with placebo.18 The fact that the results between these studies are mixed is probably explained by 2 factors: 1) chronic pain has many facets, and pain from sources other than neuropathic were probably present; and 2) doses of gabapentin were low (5 to 10 mg/kg q12h) and perhaps ineffective, which actually makes the fact that any improvement was seen quite encouraging. More appropriate dosing, as defined by patient-specific dose and administration-interval adjustments, could potentially provide analgesia.

In a thermal research model, gabapentin seems to provide minimal benefit for control of acute pain caused by heat.19 However, because acute pain is not often neuropathic pain, the lack of evidence does not mean that gabapentin is not effective. Even in chronic pain studies, results for gabapentin may be mixed in terms of provision of analgesia because chronic pain is complicated and no one drug will work for all types of chronic pain in all patients. However, gabapentin is a common addition to analgesic protocols and, based on its mechanism of action, effectiveness can be anticipated if the dose and diagnosis (that the source of pain is actually neuropathic pain) are correct.

The primary side effect (not necessarily an adverse effect!) of gabapentin therapy in dogs and cats is sedation. This side effect is generally dose-related and usually alleviated by decreasing the dose. If sedation occurs and the dose is reduced, sedation can often be avoided if the dose is slowly titrated back up to its original high/therapeutic level over several weeks. Sedation is more common in patients receiving other sedating drugs (e.g., tramadol). Dose-dependent ataxia and weakness can occur, especially in older patients with decreased muscle strength. In rats and humans, gabapentin is primarily cleared by the kidneys; in dogs, it is also metabolized by the liver.20 In cats, the route of clearance is unknown but is presumed to be primarily renal. Thus, gabapentin may undergo more rapid accumulation, and thus more rapid onset of adverse effects, in cats and dogs with renal disease and dogs with hepatic disease. For these patients, a lower starting dose and slower dose escalation is recommended.

Pregabalin is FDA-approved for the treatment of numerous neuropathic pain syndromes in humans. Dosing at 1 to 2 mg/kg PO q12h is supported by pharmacokinetic studies in dogs21 and cats.22 Pregabalin is DEA class V and fairly expensive.

Originally developed to control seizures in humans, gabapentin can also be used to treat seizures in animals, usually combined with other anti-seizure drugs. In some cases, gabapentin can be prescribed as adjunctive therapy for cats and dogs with refractory idiopathic epilepsy.

The proper dosage, frequency, and form of administration for gabapentin should be determined by a vet according to the condition being treated, your cat's body weight, as well as their individual needs.

Gabapentin has been found to be more effective for pain management at the beginning of treatment when given in conjunction with another pain reliever such as morphine and hydrocodone. After a while, the second drug can be left out and gabapentin will remain the only pain reliever in the therapy.

In recent years, veterinarians have begun prescribing gabapentin for dogs more and more often. This drug has a several uses in both human and veterinary medicine and can help some dogs with seizures, pain, or anxiety. Depending on your dog's diagnosis, gabapentin might just end up being the right choice for your pet.

Veterinarians most commonly prescribe gabapentin for dogs to manage chronic pain, usually in conjunction with other pain medications (particularly NSAIDs like carprofen). Gabapentin works best on nervous system pain, but it can be effective against pain from conditions like osteoarthritis due to the way chronic pain changes pain pathways in the brain. Gabapentin is not as effective for acute pain because of the way it works in the brain.

Gabapentin is sometimes used as an adjunct to other seizure control drugs in dogs with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Although it may be used alone, it is typically less effective than other anticonvulsants.

Mild sedation and ataxia (wobbly or drunken gait) are the most common side effects of gabapentin in dogs. The severity of these signs will vary from dog to dog and also depend on the dose. Dogs with sensitivity may experience extreme lethargy and sleepiness. Contact your vet if your dog seems too sedated or "drunk" while taking gabapentin; your vet may adjust the dose or change to a different drug. Though uncommon, some dogs may develop diarrhea while on this medication.

The dosage of gabapentin will vary depending on the condition being treated and any other drugs in concurrent use. For seizure control, most dogs are dosed at 10 to 20 milligrams per kilogram of body mass every 6-12 hours.

Lower doses are typically used for pain management, often ranging from 5 to 10 milligrams per kilogram of body mass every 6-12 hours. For ease of administration, most vets prescribe gabapentin to be given every 8 hours.

Gabapentin is given orally as a capsule, tablet, or liquid solution. It may be given with or without food. Many dog parents find it helpful to hide the tablet or capsule in something like a Pill Pocket. If you mix gabapentin with food, watch your dog to ensure it's all consumed. Try to give gabapentin as close as possible to the prescribed intervals (often every 8 hours). If you miss a dose, give it right away and continue the schedule as directed.

It's important to note that the commercially-available solution may contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. If your dog needs a low dose of gabapentin, your vet may send you to a compounding pharmacy to have a safe suspension made.

For most dogs, gabapentin will start to work within an hour or two of dosing. It typically lasts about six hours. However, each dog is different. Talk to your vet if gabapentin does not seem to be helping your dog.

Gabapentin is safe to use along with many other prescription drugs. It should be used carefully along with hydrocodone and morphine because each can change the way the other drug works in the body. Antacids may decrease the efficacy of gabapentin, so dosing of gabapentin should be given at least two hours apart from antacid doses.

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