Gabapentin is eliminated almost entirely through renal excretion, and decreased renal function significantly influences the pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in humans. 14 While doses of gabapentin in the range of 50–150 mg/cat have been used in normal cats, 4, 5, 11 it should be noted that higher doses may be unsuitable for cats with CKD. 15 In a Gabapentin is really safe for the kidneys. It is the only pain medicine my vet would prescribed with my cat's CKD. he was on 50mg twice a day for two years because of dental pain. In essence, gabapentin is not directly bad for cat kidneys, but the potential for complications arises due to the way the body processes and eliminates the drug, particularly in the presence of impaired kidney function. Concern #13: Can Gabapentin be used in cats with liver or kidney disease? Answer: Gabapentin should be used with caution in cats with liver or kidney disease, as these conditions can affect how the medication is metabolized in the body. Your veterinarian may recommend adjusting the dosage or exploring alternative treatment options in these cases. Study demonstrates that companion cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) will exhibit compliance during veterinary visits on a lower dosage of gabapentin. Gabapentin Dosage for Cats. The dosage for gabapentin may vary depending on a cat’s size, as well as whether it’s being used as a pain medication, as part of seizure management, or as a sedative before vet visits or travel. From a safety perspective, a gabapentin dosage for cats will typically not exceed 50-100mg per cat to address pain or Is gabapentin bad for cats with kidney disease? Higher doses of gabapentin can be problematic for cats with chronic kidney disease . A 50% dose reduction or more is typically recommended. Cats with higher serum gabapentin concentrations were more compliant at the 3h mark. No CKD cats were considered to be overly sedated at the 10mg/kg dose. One limitation of this study was that all of the healthy cats were fairly young compared to the CKD cats so age may have played a factor, although this has not been demonstrated in human studies. The question of whether gabapentin is safe for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complex and requires careful consideration. The short answer is: it can be safe when used judiciously, but it’s not without risks and requires dosage adjustments due to the kidneys’ role in its elimination. In healthy cats gaba gets flushed out in few hours but in ckd cats it takes maybe twice as much. Its pretty safe for the kidneys, many of us use it regularly and long term. My ckd cat takes about a third of a 100mg daily and he tolerates it fine. He is 6kg. He just gets more relaxed with subQs. But if your cat has never had it, it might knock For example, the effect of Gabapentin may be more prolonged in cats suffering from kidney or liver disease. 1. Is gabapentin safe for cats with kidney disease? Yes, gabapentin is considered safe for use in cats with kidney disease when dosed appropriately and monitored closely by a veterinarian. 2. Will gabapentin interact with other medications my cat is taking? Is gabapentin bad for cats with kidney disease? Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit higher serum concentrations of gabapentin, indicating a need for dose adjustment. It’s essential to administer lower doses to avoid potential toxicity and monitor their response closely. While gabapentin is generally safe for cats, particularly when used correctly, its potential impact on cats with existing kidney problems should not be underestimated. Careful monitoring, dosage adjustments, and open communication with your veterinarian are paramount in ensuring that your cat receives the appropriate and beneficial treatment Why is gabapentin bad for cats? By Enviroliteracy Team / March 2, 2025 . Table of Contents. Why is Gabapentin Bad for Cats? Understanding the Risks and Side Effects. Investigating appropriate dosing for gabapentin sedation in cats with and without chronic kidney disease (2017) Winn Feline Foundation reports on the study's goals and Gabapentin sedation in cats with and without chronic kidney disease (2020) Winn Feline Foundation gives an update, stating that CKD cats seem to have much higher levels of Research shows that cats with CKD are more sensitive to Gabapentin and that Gabapentin is not good for the kidneys. Please please talk with your vet about this if your kitty is ever prescribed gabapentin. Gabapentin (Neurontin) usually isn’t bad for your liver or kidneys. In most cases, it has little effect on these organs. In rare instances, gabapentin can cause DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) syndrome. The 20 mg/kg stress-reduction dose of gabapentin may be beneficial to facilitate preventive veterinary care in younger, healthy cats, but this dose may be inappropriate for elderly cats, specifically those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Gabapentin is not known to directly cause kidney failure in cats. The drug is primarily cleared through the kidneys, but it does not usually cause kidney damage. In rare cases, DRESS syndrome, which can affect the kidneys, has been linked to gabapentin.
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