Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S

Description

About

Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants, also producing analgesia used to treat conditions like epilepsy /or partial seizures,  neuropathic pain for example due to viral diseases like herpes or diabetes neuropathy, and restless leg syndrome. Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S is chemically composed of Gabapentin, available as oral tablets and capsules of varying potencies. In cases of primary seizures, Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S is mostly used as an adjunct, supplementing the therapeutic effects of more potent anticonvulsant agents. 

Gabapentin contained in the Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S, is a GABA analog (naturally occurring chemical with inhibitory effect) with a selective agonist action on GABA (B) receptors, as well as an ability to freely pass through the blood-brain barrier. It imposes an inhibitory action on neurotransmitters inducing excitatory response, thereby suppressing uncontrolled/ abnormal activities of the brain and altering pain stimuli.

While Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S can be prescribed to both children and adults, the dosage of Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S depends on age, the severity of the condition, patient’s response to the medicine and their comorbidities. It can take 1 – 2 weeks or sometimes longer for Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S to start showing effects. Abrupt withdrawal of Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S can cause withdrawal symptoms for which reason it is tapered down gradually before stopping the treatment altogether. Common side effects of this medication are nausea, headache, and dizziness.

Indications

Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S is prescribed to adults and children (6 years and above) above and it is used in the treatment of:

• Epilepsy / partial seizures
• Non-epileptic neuropathic pain like Postherpetic neuralgia (neuronal pain following viral herpes)
• Diabetic neuropathy  
• Restless leg syndrome

How does Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S work

Gabapentin contained in the product, is a GABA analog (naturally occuring chemical with inhibitory effect) with a selective agonist action on GABA (B) receptors, as well as an ability to freely pass through the blood-brain barrier. It enhances GABA action and also inhibits high voltage-activated calcium channels, blocking neurotransmitters inducing excitatory response, thereby suppressing signal transmission and uncontrolled/ abnormal activities of the brain and altering pain sensation.

How to use Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S

Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S is available in the form of tablets and capsules. Swallow Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S with a glass of water without chewing. In general, the treatment with Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S is started at the lowest effective dose which is gradually increased in potency and frequency over a period of days to weeks as tolerance develops. Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S is usually prescribed to be taken once a day as a starting dose for epilepsy. Tolerance is common to develop with such drugs, dosage is titrated accordingly to match the therapeutic dose.

Available Potency and forms of Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S 

• Tablet /Capsule – 100 mg
• Tablet /Capsule – 300 mg
• Tablet /Capsule- 400 mg

Adult Dose

Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S is usually prescribed to be taken orally once a day as a starting dose for epilepsy,

Starting (single) dose – 300 mg, orally, Day 1

Divided doses – 300 mg, orally- twice a day, Day  2 

Divided doses – 300 mg, orally- thrice a day, Day  3

Daily maintenance dose 300 – 600 mg/day (thrice daily)

Maximum safe dose for epilepsy: 3600 mg/day (in three divided doses)

Maximum safe dose for peripheral neuropathic pain/neuralgia: 1800 mg/day (in three divided doses)

Dosage for Restless leg syndrome: 600 mg/day in the evenings, once a day orally

Doses are titrated according to the requirement and the patient’s response. Usually, it is done in increments of 100-300 mg over a period of days

Pediatric Dose

Child dose depends on weight and physique, commonly starting dose at lower potency to be increased in increments over a period of days. It can be given to children 6 years and above.

Starting dose: 25-35 mg/kg (divided doses, thrice daily)

Maximum safe dose: 1800-2400 mg/day (divided doses, thrice daily)

Elderly dose

Normal doses are followed unless there’s liver impairment or inadequate kidney function, or other serious conditions. Your doctor should set the most appropriate dose for you based on your creatinine clearance values.

Pregnancy use and lactation

FDA pregnancy risk category is not available for Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S yet, therefore If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive, please consult your doctor before using Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S. It should not be taken during pregnancy unless absolutely needed.

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S:

• Allergic reaction to Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S or similar anticonvulsants
• Chronic kidney disease with severe impairment of renal function
• Myasthenia gravis (not an absolute contraindication, but caution should be practiced for it can worsen the symptoms of this disease)
• Chronic liver disease 
• Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD)
• Pre-existing Myoclonus 
• Suicidal tendencies

Precautions‌ ‌ ‌

Please‌ ‌tell‌ ‌your‌ ‌doctor‌ ‌about‌ ‌any‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌following‌ ‌conditions‌ ‌while‌ ‌using‌ ‌Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S:‌ ‌

• In case of kidney disease before starting the treatment with ‌Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S check creatinine levels, which must be monitored during the treatment as well.
• If you have suffered from mental depression or currently are under treatment for it, inform your doctor and monitor for worsening of depression, behavioral changes, and suicidal thoughts. 
• Impaired liver function should also be monitored for harmful effects
• Any abnormal signs (other than usual side effects which tend to resolve) persisting for some time should be alarming. Report to your doctor if you experience continuous abdominal pain, or feel nauseous and sick. These may indicate problems in your pancreas. 
• Elderly patients (65 years and above) should exercise caution, dose adjustment may be done by the doctor.
• The drug must not be stopped abruptly even if you’re symptoms have improved. It can produce withdrawal symptoms, starting 6-12 hours after stopping the medication
• Drugs for indigestion and acid reflux must not be taken concomitantly since it may reduce the absorption of Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S. Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S should be taken 2 hours before or after antacids
• Pregnant females must not use ‌Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S unless prescribed by your doctor. ‌Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S is not advised in breastfeeding
• Alcohol consumption aggravates the side effects, hence its use is not advised

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S, hence, in that case, your doctor might alter your dosage. A few of these interacting drugs are given below:

•  ‌Opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc
• Alprazolam
• Escitalopram 
• Antacids (should not be taken at the same time)
• Duloxetine 
• Losartan 
• Ethacrynic acid
• Mefloquine 
• Pregabalin 
• Alcohol 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects:

• Nausea 
• Headache 
• Fatigue 
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness
• Agitation 

Rare side effects:

• Hypersensitivity reaction
• Visual disturbances
• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions 
• Hallucinations
• Abnormal bodily movements such as jerking, muscle stiffness
• Indigestion
• Weight gain
• Sexual dysfunction
• Gynecomastia (breast enlargement)
• Swelling in the legs
• Muscular weakness
• Loss of memory 
• Behavioral changes/ mood swings 
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels)
• Raised creatine phosphatase levels in the blood 
• Low platelet count
• Skin rash
• Suicidal thoughts 

How To Deal With Some Of The Side Effects

• Fatigue – Patients experiencing this adverse effect are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.
• Feeling drowsy – If the medication makes you feel drowsy or sleepy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea –Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.
• Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak – If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Muscular Aches And Pains – A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.
• Constipation – Can be combated by adding more fibers to the patient’s diet, asking the patient to drink plenty of fluids, and increasing their physical activity to trigger contractions in the intestines.
• Flatulence – This can be eased by consuming smaller, more frequent meals that don’t trigger your flatulence. Getting a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise has shown great results in combating flatulence. 
• Heartburn – can be dealt with by chewing on mint-flavored gum that’ll help neutralize the acid in the body. Standing up straighter, adding ginger to the daily diet, elevating the patient’s upper body, and having licorice supplements has shown to provide relief.
• Skin Rash – can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Apply a cold compress to the rash to help reduce itchiness and redness caused by the rash. An antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.
• Change in taste- this tends to go away as soon as the patient stops taking the medicine but while treatment; saltwater with baking soda (half a teaspoon of salt and baking soda in water) rinses and chewing on sugar-free gum can help dissipate the change in taste.
• Blurred vision- this side effect tends to go away on its own if a few days; patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive any motorized vehicles in the meantime.If blurred vision persists, please contact your doctor.
• Dehydration- Patients are recommended to always care around a water bottle with them wherever they go and periodically keep sipping to prevent thirst and extremely dry mouth. Ice pops in hot weather and energy drinks (verified by the doctor) are helpful in combating dehydration.
• Redness Of The Skin- This can be combated by applying a cold pack to the affected area.

FAQs

#1. What Exactly Does Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S Do?

It is an anticonvulsant used to treat partial seizures, neuropathic pain, and other conditions like restless leg syndrome by altering pain sensation and inhibiting signals in the brain producing excitation and as a result uncontrolled movements

#2. How Long Does It Take For Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S To Start Working?

Normally it takes 1-2 weeks or more for Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S to show its full effects.

#3. How Long Will I HAVE To TakeGabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S For?

Time duration depends on why you’re taking Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S. Consult your physician for this, Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S can be taken for longer periods of time. 

#4. Can I Stop Taking Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal problems like difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, sweating and uncontrollable muscle movements. 

#5. Is Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S Highly Addictive?

No, it is not considered to be highly addictive; but still abuse and overdosing is possible. Stopping the medicine abruptly can cause undesirable withdrawal symptoms.

#6. Does Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S Interfere With Warfarin? Is It Safe To Take Both Together?

Taking both together could increase the risk of bleeding or you may experience petechiae or purpura.

#7. Can I Drink Alcohol With Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

Consuming alcohol when taking Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S may cause excessive drowsiness and could increase the risk of liver damage, hence should be avoided. 

#8. What If I Take Too Much Of Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S you may experience symptoms of overdose for example, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness and seizures. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms. 

#9. What If I Forget To Take Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

If you’re taking Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S once a day then take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, in which case you should skip the missed dose. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

#10. Can I Take Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S. 

#11. Can The Use Of Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S Cause Drowsiness?

It causes drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue (tiredness), and visual disturbances. If you experience any of these symptoms avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

#12. Will Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S Affect My Blood Pressure?

Generally high pressure is not a common side effect seen with  Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S but abrupt discontinuation of this drug can cause sudden increase in blood pressure and palpitations

#13. Can I Drive Or Ride A Bike After Taking Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

Usually  Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S  is known to cause drowsiness and dizziness so make sure you know how your body reacts while using ‘product’. Do not drive or use any machinery until you feel normal again

#14. How Should Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S Be Stored?

Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine. 

#15. Can Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S Affect My Sexual Activity?

Sexual dysfunction has been reported with Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S. It may cause erectile dysfunction in males. You must discuss this with your consultant. 

#16. Will it affect my fertility?

There isn’t sufficient data available to suggest that taking Gabix 300mg Capsule 10 ‘S will reduce fertility in either men or women