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Neurontin
gabapentin · Capsule
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased Central Nervous System Disorganized Electrical Activity [PE] | PE | All 114 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 020235-001 | NEURONTIN | CAPSULE | GABAPENTIN | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 020235-002 | NEURONTIN | CAPSULE | GABAPENTIN | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 020235-003 | NEURONTIN | CAPSULE | GABAPENTIN | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 79 | Labeling | Approved | April 25, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 76 | Labeling | Approved | July 12, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 69 | Labeling | Approved | December 16, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 68 | Labeling | Approved | April 2, 2020 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 64 | Labeling | Approved | October 18, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 62 | Labeling | Approved | March 24, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 60 | Labeling | Approved | September 14, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 61 | Labeling | Approved | April 21, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 57 | Labeling | Approved | August 18, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 56 | Labeling | Approved | May 1, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 55 | Labeling | Approved | May 1, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 54 | Labeling | Approved | May 1, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 50 | Labeling | Approved | August 10, 2011 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 36 | Labeling | Approved | March 1, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 43 | Labeling | Approved | October 11, 2010 | Standard |
| Supplement | 44 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 20, 2009 | N/A |
| Supplement | 41 | Labeling | Approved | April 23, 2009 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 35 | Labeling | Approved | May 3, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 29 | Labeling | Approved | February 18, 2005 | Standard |
| Supplement | 26 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 19, 2002 | Priority |
| Supplement | 24 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 24, 2002 | Priority |
| Supplement | 23 | Efficacy | Approved | August 15, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 22 | Labeling | Approved | January 30, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 21 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 18, 2002 | Priority |
| Supplement | 20 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 8, 2001 | Priority |
| Supplement | 19 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 8, 2001 | Priority |
| Supplement | 18 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 18, 2001 | Priority |
| Supplement | 15 | Efficacy | Approved | October 12, 2000 | Standard |
| Supplement | 17 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 16, 2000 | Priority |
| Supplement | 16 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 21, 2000 | Priority |
| Supplement | 14 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 15, 2000 | Priority |
| Supplement | 11 | Efficacy | Approved | September 29, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 9 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 12, 1998 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 9, 1996 | Priority |
| Supplement | 4 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 28, 1996 | Priority |
| Supplement | 3 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 9, 1996 | Priority |
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | November 14, 1994 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | December 30, 1993 | Priority |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · May 1, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · April 29, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · April 25, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · July 16, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · July 15, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · April 10, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · April 3, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · October 20, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · October 19, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · March 29, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · March 27, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · September 23, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · September 17, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · May 11, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · April 27, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · August 20, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · August 20, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · May 9, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · May 9, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · May 9, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · May 7, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · May 7, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · May 7, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · August 12, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · August 11, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · March 7, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · March 4, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · October 13, 2010
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260512). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingWarnings and Precautions ( 5.5 , 5.6 ) 4/2025 Warnings and Precautions, removal- Sudden and Unexplained Death in Patients with Epilepsy ( 5.10 ) 4/2025
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NEURONTIN ® is indicated for: • Management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults • Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures, with and without secondary generalization, in adults and pediatric patients 3 years and older with epilepsy NEURONTIN is indicated for: • Postherpetic neuralgia in adults ( 1 ) • Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures, with and without secondary generalization, in adults and pediatric patients 3 years and older with epilepsy ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Postherpetic Neuralgia ( 2.1 ) o Dose can be titrated up as needed to a dose of 1800 mg/day o Day 1: Single 300 mg dose o Day 2: 600 mg/day (i.e., 300 mg two times a day) o Day 3: 900 mg/day (i.e., 300 mg three times a day) • Epilepsy with Partial Onset Seizures ( 2.2 ) o Patients 12 years of age and older: starting dose is 300 mg three times daily; may be titrated up to 600 mg three times daily o Patients 3 to 11 years of age: starting dose range is 10 to 15 mg/kg/day, given in three divided doses; recommended dose in patients 3 to 4 years of age is 40 mg/kg/day, given in three divided doses; the recommended dose in patients 5 to 11 years of age is 25 to 35 mg/kg/day, given in three divided doses. The recommended dose is reached by upward titration over a period of approximately 3 days • Dose should be adjusted in patients with reduced renal function ( 2.3 , 2.4 ) 2.1 Dosage for Postherpetic Neuralgia In adults with postherpetic neuralgia, NEURONTIN 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 dose can subsequently be titrated up as needed for pain relief to a dose of 1800 mg/day (600 mg three times a day). In clinical studies, efficacy was demonstrated over a range of doses from 1800 mg/day to 3600 mg/day with comparable effects across the dose range; however, in these clinical studies, the additional benefit of using doses greater than 1800 mg/day was not demonstrated. 2.2 Dosage for Epilepsy with Partial Onset Seizures Patients 12 Years of Age and Above The starting dose is 300 mg three times a day. The recommended maintenance dose of NEURONTIN is 300 mg to 600 mg three times a day. Dosages up to 2400 mg/day have been administered in long-term clinical studies. Doses of 3600 mg/day have also been administered to a small number of patients for a relatively short duration. Administer NEURONTIN three times a day using 300 mg or 400 mg capsules, or 600 mg or 800 mg tablets. The maximum time between doses should not exceed 12 hours. Pediatric Patients Age 3 to 11 Years The starting dose range is 10 mg/kg/day to 15 mg/kg/day, given in three divided doses, and the recommended maintenance dose reached by upward titration over a period of approximately 3 days. The recommended maintenance dose of NEURONTIN in patients 3 to 4 years of age is 40 mg/kg/day, given in three divided doses. The recommended maintenance dose of NEURONTIN in patients 5 to 11 years of age is 25 mg/kg/day to 35 mg/kg/day, given in three divided doses. NEURONTIN may be administered as the oral solution, capsule, or tablet, or using combinations of these formulations. Dosages up to 50 mg/kg/day have been administered in a long-term clinical study. The maximum time interval between doses should not exceed 12 hours. 2.3 Dosage Adjustment in Patients with Renal Impairment Dosage adjustment in patients 12 years of age and older with renal impairment or undergoing hemodialysis is recommended, as follows (see dosing recommendations above for effective doses in each indication): TABLE 1. NEURONTIN Dosage Based on Renal Function TID = Three times a day; BID = Two times a day; QD = Single daily dose Renal Function Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) Total Daily Dose Range (mg/day) Dose Regimen (mg) ≥ 60 900 to 3600 300 TID 400 TID 600 TID 800 TID 1200 TID >30 to 59 400 to 1400 200 BID 300 BID 400 BID 500 BID 700 BID >15 to 29 200 to 700 200 QD 300 QD 400 QD 500 QD 700 QD 15 For patients with creatinine clearance <15 mL/min, reduce daily dose in proportion to creatinine clearance (e.g., patients with a creatinine clearance of 7.5 mL/min should receive one-half the daily dose that patients with a creatinine clearance of 15 mL/min receive). 100 to 300 100 QD 125 QD 150 QD 200 QD 300 QD Post-Hemodialysis Supplemental Dose (mg) Patients on hemodialysis should receive maintenance doses based on estimates of creatinine clearance as indicated i …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Capsules • 100 mg: white hard gelatin capsules printed with “VLE” on the body and “Neurontin/100 mg” on the cap • 300 mg: yellow hard gelatin capsules printed with “VLE” on the body and “Neurontin/300 mg” on the cap • 400 mg: orange hard gelatin capsules printed with “VLE” on the body and “Neurontin/400 mg” on the cap Tablets • 600 mg: white elliptical film-coated scored tablets debossed with “NT” and “16” on one side • 800 mg: white elliptical film-coated scored tablets debossed with “NT” and “26” on one side Oral solution • 250 mg per 5 mL (50 mg per mL), clear colorless to slightly yellow solution • Capsules: 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg ( 3 ) • Tablets: 600 mg, and 800 mg ( 3 ) • Oral Solution: 250 mg/5mL ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS NEURONTIN is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients. Known hypersensitivity to gabapentin or its ingredients ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (Multiorgan hypersensitivity): Discontinue if alternative etiology is not established ( 5.1 ) • Anaphylaxis and Angioedema: Discontinue and evaluate patient immediately ( 5.2 ) • Driving Impairment; Somnolence/Sedation and Dizziness: Warn patients not to drive until they have gained sufficient experience to assess whether their ability to drive or operate heavy machinery will be impaired ( 5.3 , 5.4 ) • Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: Monitor for suicidal thoughts/behavior ( 5.5 ) • Abrupt or rapid discontinuation may increase the risk for seizures. Withdrawal symptoms, or suicidal behavior and ideation have been observed after discontinuation ( 5.6 ) • Respiratory Depression: May occur with NEURONTIN when used with concomitant central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including opioids, or in the setting of underlying respiratory impairment. Monitor patients and adjust dosage as appropriate ( 5.8 ) • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions in Children 3 to 12 Years of Age: Monitor for such events ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), also known as multiorgan hypersensitivity, has occurred with NEURONTIN. Some of these reactions have been fatal or life-threatening. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, and/or lymphadenopathy, in association with other organ system involvement, such as hepatitis, nephritis, hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis sometimes resembling an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. This disorder is variable in its expression, and other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as fever or lymphadenopathy, may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, the patient should be evaluated immediately. NEURONTIN should be discontinued if an alternative etiology for the signs or symptoms cannot be established. 5.2 Anaphylaxis and Angioedema NEURONTIN can cause anaphylaxis and angioedema after the first dose or at any time during treatment. Signs and symptoms in reported cases have included difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue, and hypotension requiring emergency treatment. Patients should be instructed to discontinue NEURONTIN and seek immediate medical care should they experience signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema. 5.3 Effects on Driving and Operating Heavy Machinery Patients taking NEURONTIN should not drive until they have gained sufficient experience to assess whether NEURONTIN impairs their ability to drive. Driving performance studies conducted with a prodrug of gabapentin (gabapentin enacarbil tablet, extended-release) indicate that gabapentin may cause significant driving impairment. Prescribers and patients should be aware that patients’ ability to assess their own driving competence, as well as their ability to assess the degree of somnolence caused by NEURONTIN, can be imperfect. The duration of driving impairment after starting therapy with NEURONTIN is unknown. Whether the impairment is related to somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] or other effects of NEURONTIN is unknown. Moreover, because NEURONTIN causes somnolence and dizziness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] , patients should be advised not to operate complex machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on NEURONTIN to assess whether NEURONTIN impairs their ability to perform such tasks. 5.4 Somnolence/Sedation and Dizziness During the controlled epilepsy trials in patients older than 12 years of age receiving doses of NEURONTIN up to 1800 mg daily, somnolence, dizziness, and ataxia were reported at a greater rate in patients receiving NEURONTIN compared to placebo: i.e., 19% in drug versus 9% in …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections: • Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Anaphylaxis and Angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Somnolence/Sedation and Dizziness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Increased Risk of Seizures and Other Adverse Reactions with Abrupt or Rapid Discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Status Epilepticus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions (Pediatric Patients 3 to 12 Years of Age) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥8% and at least twice that for placebo) were: • Postherpetic neuralgia: Dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema ( 6.1 ) • Epilepsy in patients >12 years of age: Somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, and nystagmus ( 6.1 ) • Epilepsy in patients 3 to 12 years of age: Viral infection, fever, nausea and/or vomiting, somnolence, and hostility ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Viatris at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Postherpetic Neuralgia The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of NEURONTIN in adults, not seen at an equivalent frequency among placebo-treated patients, were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. In the 2 controlled trials in postherpetic neuralgia, 16% of the 336 patients who received NEURONTIN and 9% of the 227 patients who received placebo discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions that most frequently led to withdrawal in NEURONTIN-treated patients were dizziness, somnolence, and nausea. Table 3 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of NEURONTIN-treated patients with postherpetic neuralgia participating in placebo-controlled trials and that were numerically more frequent in the NEURONTIN group than in the placebo group. TABLE 3. Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials in Postherpetic Neuralgia NEURONTIN N=336 % Placebo N=227 % Body as a Whole Asthenia 6 5 Infection 5 4 Accidental injury 3 1 Digestive System Diarrhea 6 3 Dry mouth 5 1 Constipation 4 2 Nausea 4 3 Vomiting 3 2 Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders Peripheral edema 8 2 Weight gain 2 0 Hyperglycemia 1 0 Nervous System Dizziness 28 8 Somnolence 21 5 Ataxia 3 0 Abnormal thinking 3 0 Abnormal gait 2 0 Incoordination 2 0 Respiratory System Pharyngitis 1 0 Special Senses Amblyopia Reported as blurred vision 3 1 Conjunctivitis 1 0 Diplopia 1 0 Otitis media 1 0 Other reactions in more than 1% of patients but equally or more frequent in the placebo group included pain, tremor, neuralgia, back pain, dyspepsia, dyspnea, and flu syndrome. There were no clinically important differences between men and women in the types and incidence of adverse reactions. Because there were few patients whose race was reported as other than white, there are insufficient data to support a statement regarding the distribution of adverse reactions by race. Epilepsy with Partial Onset Seizures (Adjunctive Therapy) The most common adverse reactions with NEURONTIN in combination with other antiepileptic drugs in patients >12 years of age, not seen at an equivalent frequency among placebo-treated patients, were somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, and nystagmus. The most common adverse reactions with NEURONTIN in combination with other antiepileptic drugs in pediatric patients 3 to 1 …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Concentrations increased by morphine; may need dose adjustment ( 5.4 , 7.1 ) 7.1 Opioids Respiratory depression and sedation, sometimes resulting in death, have been reported following coadministration of gabapentin with opioids (e.g., morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, buprenorphine) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . Hydrocodone Coadministration of NEURONTIN with hydrocodone decreases hydrocodone exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . The potential for alteration in hydrocodone exposure and effect should be considered when NEURONTIN is started or discontinued in a patient taking hydrocodone. Morphine When gabapentin is administered with morphine, patients should be observed for signs of CNS depression, such as somnolence, sedation and respiratory depression [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Other Antiepileptic Drugs Gabapentin is not appreciably metabolized nor does it interfere with the metabolism of commonly coadministered antiepileptic drugs [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 Maalox ® (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide) The mean bioavailability of gabapentin was reduced by about 20% with concomitant use of an antacid (Maalox ® ) containing magnesium and aluminum hydroxides. It is recommended that gabapentin be taken at least 2 hours following Maalox administration [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.4 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Because false positive readings were reported with the Ames N-Multistix SG ® dipstick test for urinary protein when gabapentin was added to other antiepileptic drugs, the more specific sulfosalicylic acid precipitation procedure is recommended to determine the presence of urine protein.
Drug Interactions • In Vitro Studies In vitro studies were conducted to investigate the potential of gabapentin to inhibit the major cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4) that mediate drug and xenobiotic metabolism using isoform selective marker substrates and human liver microsomal preparations. Only at the highest concentration tested (171 mcg/mL; 1 mM) was a slight degree of inhibition (14% to 30%) of isoform CYP2A6 observed. No inhibition of any of the other isoforms tested was observed at gabapentin concentrations up to 171 mcg/mL (approximately 15 times the C max at 3600 mg/day). • In Vivo Studies The drug interaction data described in this section were obtained from studies involving healthy adults and adult patients with epilepsy. Phenytoin In a single (400 mg) and multiple dose (400 mg three times a day) study of NEURONTIN in epileptic patients (N=8) maintained on phenytoin monotherapy for at least 2 months, gabapentin had no effect on the steady-state trough plasma concentrations of phenytoin and phenytoin had no effect on gabapentin pharmacokinetics. Carbamazepine Steady-state trough plasma carbamazepine and carbamazepine 10, 11 epoxide concentrations were not affected by concomitant gabapentin (400 mg three times a day; N=12) administration. Likewise, gabapentin pharmacokinetics were unaltered by carbamazepine administration. Valproic Acid The mean steady-state trough serum valproic acid concentrations prior to and during concomitant gabapentin administration (400 mg three times a day; N=17) were not different and neither were gabapentin pharmacokinetic parameters affected by valproic acid. Phenobarbital Estimates of steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters for phenobarbital or gabapentin (300 mg three times a day; N=12) are identical whether the drugs are administered alone or together. Naproxen Coadministration (N=18) of naproxen sodium capsules (250 mg) with NEURONTIN (125 mg) appears to increase the amount of gabapentin absorbed by 12% to 15%. Gabapentin had no effect on naproxen pharmacokinetic parameters. These doses are lower than the therapeutic doses for both drugs. The magnitude of interaction within the recommended dose ranges of either drug is not known. Hydrocodone Coadministration …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm ( 8.1 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as NEURONTIN, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking NEURONTIN during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling the toll-free number 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/. Risk Summary The totality of available data from published prospective and retrospective cohort studies pertaining to gabapentin use during pregnancy has not indicated an increased risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. There are important methodological limitations hindering interpretation of these studies [see Data ] . In nonclinical studies in mice, rats, and rabbits, gabapentin was developmentally toxic (increased fetal skeletal and visceral abnormalities, and increased embryofetal mortality) when administered to pregnant animals at doses similar to or lower than those used clinically [see Data ] . Postmarketing data suggest that extended gabapentin use with opioids close to delivery may increase the risk of neonatal withdrawal versus opioids alone [see Clinical Considerations ] . Although there is at least one report of neonatal withdrawal syndrome in an infant exposed to gabapentin alone during pregnancy, there are no comparative epidemiologic studies evaluating this association. Therefore, whether exposure to gabapentin alone late in pregnancy may cause withdrawal signs and symptoms is not known. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Neonatal withdrawal syndrome has been reported in newborns exposed to gabapentin in utero for an extended period of time when also exposed to opioids close to delivery. Neonatal withdrawal signs and symptoms reported have included tachypnea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypertonia, irritability, sneezing, poor feeding, hyperactivity, abnormal sleep pattern, and tremor. Reported signs and symptoms that may also be related to withdrawal include tongue thrusting, wandering eye movements while awake, back arching, and continuous extremity movements. Observe neonates exposed to NEURONTIN and opioids for signs and symptoms of neonatal withdrawal and manage accordingly. Data Human Data An observational study based on routinely collected data from administrative and medical registers in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, compared the prevalence of major congenital malformations in approximately 1,500 pregnancies exposed to gabapentin monotherapy in the first trimester to pregnancies unexposed to antiepileptics (n=2,995,816) and pregnancies exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy in the first trimester (n=7,582). The adjusted prevalence ratios in a pooled analysis were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.80-1.24) compared to pregnancies unexposed to antiepileptics and 1.29 (95% CI: 1.00-1.67) compared to pregnancies exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy in the first trimester. Data from another observational study in the US based on Medicaid data, which compared the risk for major congenital malformations in more than 4,600 pregnancies exposed to gabapentin during the first trimester to unexposed pregnancies (n=1,753,865), estimated an adjusted relative risk of 1.07 (95% CI: 0.94-1.21). Data from a cohort study of over 200,000 Medicaid-eligible pregnancies with prescription opioid exposure in the last 45 days of pregnancy found that the risk of neonatal drug withdrawal was greater in pregnancies with combined exposure to gabapentin and …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The precise mechanisms by which gabapentin produces its analgesic and antiepileptic actions are unknown. Gabapentin is structurally related to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) but has no effect on GABA binding, uptake, or degradation. In vitro studies have shown that gabapentin binds with high-affinity to the α2δ subunit of voltage-activated calcium channels; however, the relationship of this binding to the therapeutic effects of gabapentin is unknown.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in NEURONTIN capsules, tablets, and oral solution is gabapentin, which has the chemical name 1-(aminomethyl)cyclohexaneacetic acid. The molecular formula of gabapentin is C 9 H 17 NO 2 and the molecular weight is 171.24. The structural formula of gabapentin is: Gabapentin is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a pK a1 of 3.7 and a pK a2 of 10.7. It is freely soluble in water and both basic and acidic aqueous solutions. The log of the partition coefficient (n-octanol/0.05M phosphate buffer) at pH 7.4 is -1.25. Each NEURONTIN capsule contains 100 mg, 300 mg, or 400 mg of gabapentin and the following inactive ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Blue No. 2, gelatin, lactose, red iron oxide (400 mg only), talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide (300 mg and 400 mg only). Each NEURONTIN tablet contains 600 mg or 800 mg of gabapentin and the following inactive ingredients: candelilla wax, copovidone, cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, poloxamer 407, and talc. NEURONTIN oral solution contains 250 mg of gabapentin per 5 mL (50 mg per mL) and the following inactive ingredients: artificial cool strawberry anise flavor, glycerin, purified water, and xylitol. structural formula of gabapentin
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Signs of acute toxicity in animals included ataxia, labored breathing, ptosis, sedation, hypoactivity, or excitation. Acute oral overdoses of NEURONTIN have been reported. Symptoms have included double vision, tremor, slurred speech, drowsiness, altered mental status, dizziness, lethargy, and diarrhea. Fatal respiratory depression has been reported with NEURONTIN overdose, alone and in combination with other CNS depressants. Gabapentin can be removed by hemodialysis. If overexposure occurs, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING NEURONTIN (gabapentin) capsules, tablets, and oral solution are supplied as follows: 100 mg capsules: White hard gelatin capsules printed with “VLE” on the body and “Neurontin/100 mg” on the cap; available in: Bottles of 100: NDC 58151-281-01 300 mg capsules: Yellow hard gelatin capsules printed with “VLE” on the body and “Neurontin/300 mg” on the cap; available in: Bottles of 100: NDC 58151-282-01 400 mg capsules: Orange hard gelatin capsules printed with “VLE” on the body and “Neurontin/400 mg” on the cap; available in: Bottles of 100: NDC 58151-283-01 600 mg tablets: White elliptical film-coated scored tablets debossed with “NT” and “16” on one side; available in: Bottles of 100: NDC 58151-284-01 800 mg tablets: White elliptical film-coated scored tablets debossed with “NT” and “26” on one side; available in: Bottles of 100: NDC 58151-285-01 250 mg per 5 mL oral solution: Clear colorless to slightly yellow solution; each 5 mL of oral solution contains 250 mg of gabapentin; available in: Bottles containing 470 mL: NDC 58151-290-35 Store NEURONTIN Tablets and Capsules at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store NEURONTIN Oral Solution refrigerated, 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: GABAPENTIN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0071-0805-24 | 0071-0805 | Parke-Davis Div of Pfizer Inc | 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (0071-0805-24) | December 30, 1993 |
| 58151-281-01 | 58151-281 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (58151-281-01) | July 10, 2025 |
| 58151-282-01 | 58151-282 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (58151-282-01) | April 9, 2026 |
| 58151-283-01 | 58151-283 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (58151-283-01) | October 1, 2025 |
| 0071-0805 | 0071-0805 | Parke-Davis Div of Pfizer Inc | — | December 30, 1993 |
| 58151-281 | 58151-281 | Viatris Specialty LLC | — | July 10, 2025 |
| 58151-282 | 58151-282 | Viatris Specialty LLC | — | April 9, 2026 |
| 58151-283 | 58151-283 | Viatris Specialty LLC | — | October 1, 2025 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.