Neurontin Price in UK

Neurontin’s active ingredient is gabapentin. It is also known by other names, including Gabarone and Gralise. This medication is used to treat nerve pain and control seizures in people with epilepsy.

Neurontin Price Information

The price spectrum for Neurontin is set between £0.44 and £2.99 per pills. It’s mainly based on the pack’s volume and the strength of its active ingredients (30 or 360 mg).

Neurontin, also known by its generic name gabapentin, is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat various medical conditions. Primarily prescribed for epilepsy, it helps manage partial seizures by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. Additionally, Neurontin is commonly used to relieve neuropathic pain, which is characterized by nerve damage typically resulting from conditions such as diabetes or shingles.

Neurontin operates by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Specifically, it inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters including glutamate, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of seizures and neuropathic pain. This mechanism helps normalize the overactive neuronal firing associated with these conditions. Notably, Neurontin does not interact with GABA receptors, despite its structural similarity to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Indications for Use

Neurontin is indicated for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children aged three years and older with epilepsy. Moreover, it is prescribed for managing postherpetic neuralgia, which is nerve pain resulting from shingles. Besides these primary indications, it has off-label uses such as alleviating restless legs syndrome and various forms of chronic pain as determined by a healthcare provider.

Dosage Instructions

The dosing of Neurontin varies depending on the condition being treated. For epilepsy in adults, the starting dose often is 300 mg three times daily, which can be adjusted based on patient response and tolerability. For neuropathic pain, the initial dose usually is 300 mg once a day, with gradual increments to an optimal therapeutic dose. Pediatric dosing for seizure control is weight-based and tailored according to clinical response.

Administration Guidelines

Neurontin should be taken orally, with or without food. Consistency in timing aids in maintaining stable drug levels in the bloodstream. Patients are advised not to suddenly discontinue the medication; doing so may precipitate withdrawal symptoms or seizure exacerbation. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time for the next dose.

Common Side Effects

While Neurontin is generally well-tolerated, some common side effects may occur. These include dizziness, drowsiness, and peripheral edema. Patients may also experience ataxia, which refers to lack of coordination and balance. Other minor side effects could include fatigue, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and vomiting.

Serious Adverse Reactions

More severe but less common adverse effects include an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in individuals with depression or a history of psychiatric illness. Serious allergic reactions could manifest as swelling, rash, and difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is required for symptoms indicative of irregular or fast heart rate, severe dizziness, or fainting.

Drug Interactions

Neurontin can interact with other medications, influencing its efficacy and safety profile. Co-administration with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may reduce its absorption. Concurrent use with opioids, particularly hydrocodone and morphine, can potentiate central nervous system depressive effects. Gabapentin also may alter the pharmacokinetics of certain oral contraceptives.

Contraindications

The use of Neurontin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to gabapentin or any of its inactive ingredients. Due to insufficient safety data, it is generally avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Patients with severe renal impairment may require dose adjustments to avoid drug accumulation and toxicity.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, Neurontin is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Its bioavailability decreases with increasing doses due to a saturable absorption process. The drug is not extensively metabolized and is excreted largely unchanged via the kidneys. Its elimination half-life ranges from 5 to 7 hours in individuals with normal renal function.

Storage Guidelines

Neurontin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The medication must be kept in its original packaging to protect it from light. It should be stored out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Any expired or unused medication should be disposed of according to local guidelines.

Patient Monitoring

Regular monitoring of patients on Neurontin is crucial to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and detect any adverse reactions early. Routine assessments may include tracking seizure frequency, pain levels in neuropathic conditions, and mental health evaluations for signs of depression or suicidal ideation. Renal function tests might be necessary for patients with preexisting kidney issues.

Therapeutic Outcomes

The success of Neurontin therapy is evaluated based on the reduction in seizure occurrences or the alleviation of neuropathic pain symptoms. For epilepsy, achieving seizure control or significant reduction is the main therapeutic outcome. In neuropathic pain management, improvement in pain scores and enhancement of overall quality of life indicate positive treatment results.