Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: GABAPENTIN versus TOPAMAX.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: GABAPENTIN versus TOPAMAX.
GABAPENTIN vs TOPAMAX
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Gabapentin is a structural analog of GABA but does not bind to GABA receptors. It binds to the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing calcium influx and decreasing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.
Antiepileptic; modulates voltage-gated sodium channels, enhances GABA-A activity, antagonizes AMPA/kainate glutamate receptors, weakly inhibits carbonic anhydrase.
Initial dose: 300 mg orally once daily on day 1, 300 mg twice daily on day 2, then 300 mg three times daily on day 3; titrate as needed up to 1800-3600 mg/day in three divided doses. Maximum single dose: 1200 mg. Dose adjustments for renal impairment should be made based on creatinine clearance.
Initial dose 25 mg orally twice daily; titrate by 25-50 mg weekly to effective dose; usual maintenance dose 200-400 mg/day divided twice daily; maximum 1600 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateGabapentin + Fluticasone propionate
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Gabapentin is combined with Fluticasone propionate."
Clinical Note
moderateGabapentin + Erythromycin
"The metabolism of Erythromycin can be decreased when combined with Gabapentin."
Clinical Note
moderateGabapentin + Fluconazole
"The serum concentration of Fluconazole can be increased when it is combined with Gabapentin."
Clinical Note
moderateGabapentin + Clemastine
5-7 hours (normal renal function); prolonged to 50-140 hours in end-stage renal disease; half-life independent of dose due to linear kinetics.
Terminal elimination half-life is 21 hours (range 18-23 hours). Linear pharmacokinetics. Half-life is prolonged in renal impairment (CrCl <70 mL/min: ~35 hours).
Renal: 76-81% unchanged in urine; biliary/fecal: <5% as metabolites; remainder (10-20%) as minor metabolites via urine.
Renal: ~70% (unchanged drug); remainder as metabolites. Biliary/fecal: minimal (<5%).
Category A/B
Category C
Anticonvulsant
Anticonvulsant
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Gabapentin is combined with Clemastine."