It is thought that Gabapentin may play a role in neural membranes. We use Gabapentin for the prevention of seizures for peripheral neuropathy, for neuropathic pain and for the prevention of migraines. Understanding proper nursing considerations is crucial for safe and effective patient care. Generic name: Gabapentin. Brand names: Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant, Gabarone. Pharmacologic class: Anticonvulsant, Antiepileptic. Therapeutic class: Anticonvulsant, Analgesic for neuropathic pain. By being aware of these nursing implications, healthcare professionals can contribute to the safe and optimal use of Gabapentin for their patients. Administration Considerations When administering Gabapentin, there are several factors that should be considered to ensure the patient’s safety and efficacy of the medication: Gabapentin is one of the top 100 drugs prescribed in the US, so there’s a very good chance it will show up on NCLEX or your nursing school exams. Let’s go through the key things you need to know about this medication using the Straight A Nursing DRRUGS framework. Gabapentin is structurally related to the neurotransmitter GABA but is neither a GABA agonist nor antagonist. Gabapentin-binding sites have been identified throughout the brain tissues e.g. neocortex and hippocampus. Gabapentin is used for partial seizures and neuropathic pain. Nursing Considerations Across the Lifespan. This drug can cause harm to the fetus of pregnant women. Gabapentin use in pediatric patients with epilepsy 3 to 12 years of age is associated with the occurrence of central nervous system related adverse events. Mechanism of action: Gabapentin helps to stabilize cell membranes by changing cation (sodium, calcium, and potassium) transport, reducing excitability, and suppressing seizure focus or discharge. Indications for use: Adjunctive treatment for seizure control, postherpetic neuralgia, moderate to severe primary restless legs syndrome. It is thought that Gabapentin may play a role in neural membranes. We use Gabapentin for the prevention of seizures for peripheral neuropathy, for neuropathic pain and for the prevention of migraines. So some of the side effects that we see with Gabapentin are things like drowsiness, facial edema, hypertension, and confusion. Nursing Considerations for Gabapentin. When administering or caring for patients taking gabapentin, nurses should consider several important factors. Nursing Assessment. 1. Assess the patient’s medical history, including any known allergies, previous adverse reactions to gabapentin or similar medications, and relevant medical conditions. The Eleventh Edition of Lehne’s Pharmacology for Nursing Care provides a thorough understanding of key drugs and their implications for nursing care. This text, written by renowned nursing educators, helps you comprehend and apply pharmacology principles. Nursing Implications Monitor of therapeutic effectiveness; may not occur until several weeks following initiation of therapy, in those treated for seizure disorders , assess frequency of seizures: In rare cases, the drug has increased the frequency of partial seizures, Monitor dizziness and CNS depression, monitor for changes in behavior that In this article, you’ll learn about Gabapentin (Neurontin) nursing implications and patient teachings. Also, its dosage, indication, contraindications, interactions, side effects, nursing assessment, and nursing interventions. Generic Name: Gabapentin. Brand Names: Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant. Advise patient not to take gabapentin within 2 hr of an antacid. Gabapentin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known. Seizure patients should not resume driving until physician gives clearance based on control of seizure disorder. Mechanism of action is not known. May affect transport of amino acids across and stabilize neuronal membranes. Therapeutic Effects: Decreased incidence of seizures. Decreased postherpetic pain. If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects. If the patient is 3 to 12 years of age, use this drug with care. MoA: Increases release of GABA into the synapse. Indications: Seizures. Side Effects: Fatigue, Xerostomia, Dizziness. Drug Interactions: Antacids. Nursing Implications: Monitor for possible suicidal ideation. Educate Patient on reporting changes in vision, hallucinations, and fever to their healthcare provider. Find information on Gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant) in Davis’s Drug Guide including dosage, side effects, interactions, nursing implications, mechanism of action, half life, administration, and more. Davis Drug Guide PDF. The most common side effects include headache, dizziness, and dysmenorrhea. On rare occasions, lamotrigine can also cause more severe side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, and hematologic side effects, including disseminated intravascular coagulation, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Antiseizure agents (also known as antiepileptic drugs or as anticonvulsants) are drugs used to manage epilepsy, the most prevalent neurological disorder. Antiseizure agents of choice depends on the type of epilepsy, age of the patient, patient tolerance, and specific patient characteristics. Table of Common Drugs and Generic Names Here is a table of commonly encountered antiseizure agents Nursing Considerations Therapeutic Effects Side/Adverse Effects; Anticonvulsant: gabapentin: Administer first dose at bedtime to decrease dizziness and drowsiness Monitor for worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior Taper dose; do not stop abruptly: Decreased neuropathic pain or seizures
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