Note: For patients with respiratory disease, initiate therapy at the lowest dose (Ref). Gabapentin enacarbil is not interchangeable with other gabapentin products due to differing pharmacokinetic profiles.
Postherpetic neuralgia: Oral: Initial: 600 mg once daily in the morning for 3 days, then increase to 600 mg twice daily; increasing to >1.2 g/day may provide no additional benefit and increase side effects.
Restless legs syndrome: Oral: 300 to 600 mg once daily at ~5:00 pm (Ref).
Discontinuation of therapy: The manufacturer recommends a taper when discontinuing to decrease risk of withdrawal seizure:
Twice-daily administration: Reduce dose to once daily for 1 week prior to discontinuation.
Once-daily administration, dose >600 mg/day: Reduce dose to 600 mg once daily for 1 week.
Once-daily administration, dose ≤600 mg/day: May discontinue without taper.
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Note: Estimation of kidney function for the purpose of drug dosing should be done using the Cockcroft-Gault formula.
Postherpetic neuralgia:
CrCl ≥60 mL/minute: No dosage adjustment necessary.
CrCl 30 to 59 mL/minute: Oral: Initial: 300 mg every morning for 3 days, then increase to 300 mg twice daily. May increase to 600 mg twice daily as needed based on tolerability and efficacy. When discontinuing, reduce current dose to once daily in the morning for 1 week.
CrCl 15 to 29 mL/minute: Oral: Initial: 300 mg in the morning on day 1 and on day 3; then increase to 300 mg once daily. May increase to 300 mg twice daily if needed based on tolerability and efficacy. When discontinuing, if current dose is 300 mg twice daily, reduce to 300 mg once daily for 1 week. If current dose is 300 mg once daily, no taper is needed.
CrCl <15 mL/minute (not on hemodialysis): Oral: Initial: 300 mg every other day in the morning; may increase dose to 300 mg once daily if needed based on tolerability and efficacy. When discontinuing, no taper is needed.
CrCl <15 mL/minute on hemodialysis, intermittent (thrice weekly): Dialyzable (~29%): Oral: Initial: 300 mg following every dialysis. May increase to 600 mg following every dialysis if needed based on tolerability and efficacy. When discontinuing, no taper is needed.
Restless legs syndrome:
CrCl ≥60 mL/minute: No dosage adjustment necessary.
CrCl 30 to 59 mL/minute: Oral: Initial: 300 mg once daily; increase to 600 mg once daily as needed.
CrCl 15 to 29 mL/minute: Oral: 300 mg once daily.
CrCl <15 mL/minute (not on hemodialysis): Oral: 300 mg every other day.
CrCl <15 mL/minute on hemodialysis, intermittent (thrice weekly): Use is not recommended.
No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer’s labeling.
Initiate therapy at the lowest dose (Ref). Refer to adult dosing. Note: A starting dose of 300 mg once daily for the treatment of restless leg syndrome in patients >65 years of age has been recommended (Ref).
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Percentages reported are for restless leg syndrome (RLS) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults.
>10%: Nervous system: Dizziness (13% to 17%), drowsiness (RLS: ≤20%; PHN: 10%), headache (10% to 12%), sedated state (RLS: ≤20%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Peripheral edema (PHN: 6%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Weight gain (PHN: 3%)
Gastrointestinal: Flatulence (≤3%), increased appetite (≤2%), nausea (6% to 8%), xerostomia (≤3%)
Nervous system: Asthenia (PHN: ≤6%), balance impairment (<2%), confusion (PHN: <2%), depression (PHN: <2%), disorientation (RLS: <2%), fatigue (≤6%), insomnia (PHN: 3%), intoxicated feeling (RLS: <2%), irritability (≤4%), lethargy (RLS: <2%), vertigo (<2%)
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision (≤2%)
Postmarketing:
Dermatologic: Bullous pemphigoid
Endocrine & metabolic: Gynecomastia
Genitourinary: Breast hypertrophy
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Increased creatine phosphokinase in blood specimen
Respiratory: Respiratory depression (FDA Safety Alert, December 19, 2019)
There are no contraindications listed within the manufacturer’s labeling.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks that require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery, driving).
• Multiorgan hypersensitivity: Potentially serious, sometimes fatal multiorgan hypersensitivity (also known as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) has been reported with some antiseizure drugs, including gabapentin. Monitor for signs and symptoms of possible disparate manifestations associated with lymphatic, hepatic, renal, cardiac, and/or hematologic systems; fever, rash, and eosinophilia may also be present. Discontinue immediately if suspected.
• Respiratory effects: Serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression may occur in patients taking gabapentin enacarbil; risk may be increased with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in older adults, and with the concomitant use of opioids and other CNS depressants. Initiate at the lowest dose and monitor patients for symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation in patients with underlying respiratory disease (FDA 2019; Mattson 2022).
• Suicidal ideation: Pooled analysis of trials involving gabapentin and other antiseizure medications (regardless of indication) showed an increased risk of suicidal thoughts/behavior (incidence rate: 0.43% treated patients compared to 0.24% of patients receiving placebo); risk observed as early as 1 week after initiation and continued through duration of trials (most trials ≤24 weeks). Gabapentin enacarbil is a prodrug of gabapentin and may also increase patient's risk. Monitor all patients for notable changes in behavior that might indicate suicidal thoughts or depression; notify health care provider immediately if symptoms occur.
Disease-related concerns:
• Myasthenia gravis: Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis; may exacerbate condition (Mehrizi 2012).
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment is needed.
• Respiratory disease: Gabapentin enacarbil may cause respiratory depression; use caution and initiate with the lowest recommended dose in patients with respiratory compromise (FDA 2019).
Special populations:
• Older adults: Gabapentin may cause respiratory depression; use caution and initiate with the lowest recommended dose in older adults (FDA 2019).
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: Restless legs syndrome: Not recommended for use in patients who are required to sleep during the day and remain awake during the night.
• Discontinuation of therapy: To avoid the potential for withdrawal seizure, dose reduction is recommended for patients with postherpetic neuralgia receiving twice daily doses or patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) receiving daily doses >600 mg (daily doses of ≤600 mg can be discontinued without tapering in patients with RLS).
• Product interchangeability: Gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant) and other gabapentin products are not interchangeable due to differences in formulation, indications, and pharmacokinetics.
• Tumorigenic potential: Rat studies demonstrated an association with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (clinical implication unknown).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet Extended Release, Oral:
Horizant: 300 mg, 600 mg
No
Tablet, controlled release (Horizant Oral)
300 mg (per each): $20.63
600 mg (per each): $20.63
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Oral: Tablet should be swallowed whole; do not break, chew, cut, or crush. Administer with food.
Restless legs syndrome: Administer at ~5:00 pm daily.
An FDA-approved patient medication guide, which is available with the product information and at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022399s010lbl.pdf#page=27, must be dispensed with this medication.
Postherpetic neuralgia: Management of postherpetic neuralgia.
Restless legs syndrome: Treatment of moderate to severe restless legs syndrome.
Gabapentin enacarbil may be confused with gabapentin, gemfibrozil
Substrate of OCT2
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Alcohol (Ethyl): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of Gabapentin Enacarbil. Alcohol (Ethyl) may increase the absorption of Gabapentin Enacarbil. Specifically, the rate of absorption may be enhanced, as alcohol may speed the release of drug from the extended-release tablet. Risk X: Avoid combination
Alizapride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Azelastine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Brexanolone. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromopride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chlormethiazole: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Daridorexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Difelikefalin: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dimethindene (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Doxylamine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Doxylamine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DroPERidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Esketamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ixabepilone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kava Kava: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kratom: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lemborexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Lisuride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lofexidine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Loxapine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Loxapine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Metoclopramide: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Minocycline (Systemic): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nabilone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Olopatadine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxomemazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxybate Salt Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Oxybate Salt Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including the oxybate salt product) should be considered. Interrupt oxybate salt treatment during short-term opioid use Risk D: Consider therapy modification
OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid combination
Perampanel: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Piribedil: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Procarbazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider therapy modification
ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rufinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid combination
Trimeprazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Valerian: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Zuranolone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of zuranolone with other CNS depressants or alcohol. If combined, consider a zuranolone dose reduction and monitor patients closely for increased CNS depressant effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ethanol may cause rapid release of gabapentin enacarbil from the extended release tablet. Management: Avoid ethanol.
Gabapentin enacarbil is the prodrug of gabapentin; bioavailability following gabapentin enacarbil is increased in comparison to gabapentin (Backonja 2011). Current guidelines note there is insufficient evidence to recommend gabapentin enacarbil in pregnant women for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (Picchietti 2015); use should be avoided (Garcia-Borreguero 2016).
Refer to Gabapentin monograph for information related to gabapentin exposure during pregnancy.
It is not known if gabapentin is present in breast milk following maternal use of gabapentin enacarbil; however, gabapentin is present in breast milk following administration of other dosage forms.
According to the manufacturer, the decision to breastfeed during therapy should consider the risk of infant exposure, the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant, and the benefits of treatment to the mother. Current guidelines note there is insufficient evidence to recommend gabapentin enacarbil in breastfeeding women for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (Picchietti 2015).
Refer to Gabapentin monograph for additional information related to gabapentin exposure in breastfeeding women.
Take with food.
Renal function (baseline and as clinically indicated); suicidality (eg, suicidal thoughts, depression, behavioral changes)
Gabapentin enacarbil is a prodrug of gabapentin. Gabapentin is structurally related to GABA. However, it does not bind to GABAA or GABAB receptors, and it does not appear to influence degradation or uptake of GABA. High affinity gabapentin binding sites have been located throughout the brain; these sites correspond to the presence of voltage-gated calcium channels specifically possessing the alpha-2-delta-1 subunit. This channel appears to be located presynaptically, and may modulate the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. These effects on restless legs syndrome are unknown.
Absorption: Mediated by active transport via proton-linked monocarboxylate transporter, MCT-1
Distribution: Vd: 76 L
Protein binding: <3%
Bioavailability: With food: ~75%; Fasting: 42% to 65%
Metabolism: Prodrug hydrolyzed primarily in the intestines to gabapentin (active metabolite)
Time to peak, plasma: With food: 7.3 hours; Fasting: 5 hours
Half-life elimination: 5-6 hours
Excretion: Urine (94%); feces (5%)
Altered kidney function: In moderate and severe renal impairment, clearance was decreased to 3 and 1 L/hour, respectively, compared with 5-7 L/hour in nonrenal impairment patients.
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