Ultimate Guide to Gabapentin Capsules
Meet the Pet Pain Reliever and Anticonsulvant: Gabapentin Capsules!
Gabapentin Capsules are veterinarian prescribed cat and dog medication that protects your pets from seizures and pain due to cancer, arthritis, or other sensitivities. Gabapentin for pets is administered one to three times daily. Gabapentin medication guarantees treatment and prevention of pain and convulsions that your pet experiences.
How do Gabapentin Capsules work?
Gabapentin is the generic form of the brand Neurontin and is the lone active ingredient within these veterinary capsules. The ingredient Gabapentin is considered a cocktail of other anticonvulsant medications'' that aids pets that live with epilepsy.
The anticonvulsant alters brain electric activity by stabilizing the release and action of a chief inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid), which regulates the nervous impulses that are a major cause of seizures. The capsules also control chronic pain from injury by enhancing the electrical activity of the pet's brain.
How are Gabapentin capsules administered?
Gabapentin pills are administered orally to both cats and dogs but with different doses. Below are general Gabapentin doses differently between dogs and cats, however, PLEASE listen to your veterinarian's recommended and specific directions according to the pet's species, size, age, breed, and weight:
Gabapentin dosage for dogs: Dogs and puppies in all weights are given 4.5 - 13.5 mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours for seizures. For pain, dogs and puppies in all weights are administered 1.4 mg per pound once a day.
Gabapentin for cats' dosage: Cats and kittens in all weights are given 2.3 mg per pound three times daily for seizures. For pain, cats and kittens in all weights are administered 1.4 mg per pound once a day.
What mg does Gabapentin come in: Available are Gabapentin 100 mg or Gabapentin 300 mg per capsule.
What are the precautions of which you should be aware?
Gabapentin is designed specifically for humans so veterinary use must be monitored thoroughly, including a possibly reduced dosage.
Gabapentin should NOT be taken:
- Pets that are allergic to the active ingredient
- Pets that are pregnant, lactating, or nursing
- Pets with kidney disease
- With antacids (can be taken two hours after Gabapentin is orally administered)
Consult your veterinarian about potentially negative Gabapentin drug interactions with certain narcotics or other drugs.
What are the potential side effects of which you should be aware?
Gabapentin's most common adverse reactions reported are vomiting, lethargy, decreased activity, itching, decreased appetite, swelling of the limbs, ataxia, and diarrhea. Other dog allergic sensitivities could demonstrate difficulty breathing, swelling of facial areas, or hives.
If any of the above serious side effects occur, discontinue Gabapentin and seek emergency veterinary medical attention!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Gabapentin for dogs and Gabapentin for cats?
The medication and active ingredient work the same for both dogs and cats - chronic pain relief associated with illness, anti epilepsy treatment, and helps with anxiety management.
What is Gabapentin, what is Gabapentin used for, and what does Gabapentin do?
Gabapentin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that affects the calcium channels in the nervous system, and ultimately alleviates the severity and presence of pain in pets. Gabapentin for dogs' pain and cats' pain suffers from arthritis, cancer, hyperalgesia, or allodynia. It helps manage pets' anxiety and is an antiepileptic drug.
How long does it take for Gabapentin to work with pets?
Gabapentin takes maximum effect in about one to two hours, with some effects occurring within the first 20 to 30 minutes after oral dosing.
What is the Gabapentin maximum dose for pets?
Keep to your veterinarian's directions, especially proper use or dosage, though the general dosages are written above. Overdose would cause increased drowsiness, CNS depression, and ataxia in pets. Monitor your pet after dosing.
What does Gabapentin look like?
Different capsules can be scored, coated, and be colored white, yellow, and orange.
Is Gabapentin Capsules for kittens or puppies?
Doctors of Veterinary Medicine use slighter smaller concentrations of Gabapentin for kittens and puppies that need pain relief with less sedation. The medication is tolerated by most kittens and needs strict supervision for puppies.
Concluding Thoughts
The most important thing that you should know about Gabapentin Capsules is its multiple usages as an antiepileptic drug, anxiety manager, and chronic pain controller for your dogs or cats.
DISCLAIMER: Law restricts Gabapentin Capsules only on order or prescription of a licensed veterinarian for the best pet health care advice. Ask your veterinarian or consult with one of our pet care specialists at 1-800-844-1427. This informative article is not meant to substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, and professional advice from your veterinarian or other qualified professionals regarding a medical condition. Ask your veterinarian if this is a suitable product for your pet and your home.
