From the Guidelines
The typical starting dose of gabapentin is 100-300 mg at bedtime or 100-300 mg three times daily [ 1, 2 ].
Key Considerations
- The dose may be titrated upwards over the course of 1-7 days as tolerated, with a maximum dose of 3600 mg per day in divided doses [ 1, 2 ].
- Slower titration is recommended for geriatric patients or those with renal insufficiency [ 2 ].
- The dose may need to be adjusted based on individual patient response and tolerability.
Titration and Maximum Dose
- The dose can be increased by 100-300 mg every 1-7 days as needed and tolerated [ 1 ].
- The maximum dose of 3600 mg per day should not be exceeded [ 2 ].
Special Considerations
- In patients with renal insufficiency, dose adjustment is required [ 2 ].
- Geriatric patients may require lower starting doses and slower titration [ 1, 2 ].
From the FDA Drug Label
In adults with postherpetic neuralgia, gabapentin may be initiated on Day 1 as a single 300 mg dose, on Day 2 as 600 mg/day (300 mg two times a day), and on Day 3 as 900 mg/day (300 mg three times a day). The starting dose is 300 mg three times a day. The starting dose range is 10 mg/kg/day to 15 mg/kg/day, given in three divided doses
The typical starting dose of Gabapentin is:
- 300 mg on Day 1 for postherpetic neuralgia in adults
- 300 mg three times a day for epilepsy with partial onset seizures in patients 12 years of age and above
- 10 mg/kg/day to 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for pediatric patients age 3 to 11 years 3
From the Research
Typical Starting Dose of Gabapentin
The typical starting dose of Gabapentin can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the formulation of the medication.
- According to 4, the recommended starting dose for neuropathic pain is 300 mg/day on day 1, 600 mg/day on day 2, and 900 mg/day on day 3, with additional titration to 1800 mg/day for greater efficacy.
- 5 and 6 discuss the use of Gabapentin for postherpetic neuralgia, with a typical dose of 1800 mg/day, which can be administered as an immediate-release formulation three times a day or as an extended-release formulation once daily.
- 7 provides a review of different doses of Gabapentin formulations for postherpetic neuralgia, including doses ranging from 1200 mg/day to 3600 mg/day, with varying efficacy and safety profiles.
- 8 reports on the pharmacokinetics of a gastroretentive extended-release formulation of Gabapentin in postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms, with doses ranging from 600 mg/day to 3000 mg/day.
Key Points
- The starting dose of Gabapentin may vary depending on the specific condition and formulation.
- Typical starting doses range from 300 mg/day to 900 mg/day, with titration to higher doses as needed.
- The efficacy and safety of Gabapentin formulations can vary depending on the dose and formulation used.
- It is essential to individualize the dose of Gabapentin based on patient response and tolerability.