Most commercially available forms of gabapentin oral liquid contain xylitol, which can cause severe toxicity in dogs. If you suspect an overdose, immediately seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Never give a dog the commercially available liquid form of gabapentin made for humans. This preparation contains xylitol, the sweetener that’s commonly used to sweeten sugar-free gum. Xylitol is extremely toxic, even deadly, for dogs. If using the oral solution, shake well before measuring. Avoid use of the human Gabapentin solution as it contains Xylitol which is harmful to pets. It may take several days before adequate blood levels to be reached to effectively control both seizures and pain. Monitor carefully during this time. Do not suddenly discontinue giving Gabapentin. There are different brands and formulations of gabapentin that are not interchangeable, so use only the form of gabapentin prescribed by your veterinarian. This is particularly important for liquid versions of gabapentin manufactured for humans because these liquid versions typically contain xylitol, a sweetener, that is toxic to dogs and cats The core difference between gabapentin used for dogs and gabapentin used for humans lies not in the active ingredient itself, but primarily in the formulation and potential added ingredients. Both human and veterinary gabapentin utilize the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API): gabapentin. Human liquid gabapentin frequently contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is completely safe for humans, but highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Veterinary formulations, whether capsules or compounded liquids, avoid the use of xylitol. Furthermore, even if a particular gabapentin product does not contain xylitol, it is still important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects of both gabapentin and xylitol separately. Understanding the connection between these two substances can help you make informed decisions about your health and ensure that you are using the Unfortunately, Neurontin® solution contains potentially toxic doses of xylitol, an artificial sweetener known to cause profound hypoglycemia and hepatic necrosis in canines. Gabapentin is also used quite frequently in felines at small doses, however it is unknown if cats have the same intolerance with xylitol as dogs. The human oral solution of gabapentin contains xylitol, which should be avoided in veterinary patients. Do not give your pet human gabapentin. Gabapentin should be used with caution in animals with decreased liver or renal function. There’s a liquid version, but it may contain xylitol, which isn’t recommended for dogs. Contact your veterinary compounding pharmacy for other dosing options. Contact your veterinary The human oral solution of gabapentin contains xylitol, which should be avoided in veterinary patients. Do not give your pet human gabapentin. Gabapentin should be used with caution in animals with decreased liver or renal function. Veterinary Gabapentin Products. Veterinary formulations of gabapentin are designed to be safe for dogs and are available in a few formats. They can include: Dog-friendly liquid formulations: These are specially compounded and flavored to make them palatable for dogs and will never contain xylitol. Gabapentin is a Human medicine so that is why some pharmaceuticals are using xyiltiol as a sweetener. The medicine is used off label for veterinary use. I found this on the Wedgewood Pharmacy web site: The human oral-solution of Gabapentin contains xylitol, which should be avoided in veterinary patients. In a table from the Manual for gabapentin’s use in dogs, there should be a warning of the risk of hepatic injury and/or failure and death with liquid solutions that contain xylitol, but there isn’t. Sedation, dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, diarrhea, reduce dose with renal dysfunction. Gabapentin liquid, although available, is rarely prescribed for dogs. Many liquid formulations contain xylitol as an artificial sweetener. While this sweetener may improve the taste for human patients, xylitol is toxic to dogs. Your veterinarian may be able to prescribe a compounded, xylitol-free formulation if necessary. How Does Gabapentin Work? 1. Is gabapentin safe for long-term use in cats? 2. How quickly does gabapentin work in cats? 3. What if my cat misses a dose of gabapentin? 4. Can I give my cat gabapentin on an empty stomach? 5. Is there a difference between cat gabapentin and human gabapentin? 6. Is 100mg of gabapentin safe for cats?
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