Gabapentin

Description

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a gamma-amino acid that is cyclohexane substituted at position 1 by aminomethyl and carboxymethyl groups. Used for treatment of neuropathic pain and restless legs syndrome. It has a role as an anticonvulsant, a calcium channel blocker, an environmental contaminant and a xenobiotic. It derives from a gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Also, it is a synthetic analogue of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid with anticonvulsant activity. Although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, gabapentin appears to inhibit excitatory neuron activity. This agent also exhibits analgesic properties. It is used as adjunctive therapy in management of epilepsy and for neuropathic pain syndromes. Therapy with gabapentin is not associated with serum aminotransferase elevations, but several cases of clinically apparent liver injury from gabapentin have been reported.

Introduction

Product Name:	Gabapentin
Synonyms:	NEURONTIN; GABAPENTINE; GABAPENTIN HYDROCHLORIDE; GABAPENTIN; GOE-3450;(1-AMINOMETHYL-CYCLOHEXYL)-ACETIC ACID; 1-(AMINOMETHYL)CYCLOHEXANEACETIC ACID; Gabapentin USP; Gabapentin Powder; Gabapentinum; Gabapentino; GABAPENTIN HCL
CAS:	60142-96-3
MF:	C9H17NO2
MW:	171.24
EINECS:	262-076-3
Product Categories:	Pharmaceutical raw materials;APIs;Intermediates & Fine Chemicals;Pharmaceuticals;Nervous system drugs

Chemical Structure

Gabapentin

Product Image for Gabapentin USP capsules:

Gabapentin

Chemical Properties

Melting point	162°C
Boiling point	314.4±15.0 °C(Predicted)
density	1.058±0.06 g/cm3(Predicted)
Fp	9℃
storage temp.	2-8°C
solubility	H₂O: 10 mg/mL
pka	pKa1 (25°) 3.68; pKa2 10.70
form	solid
color	off-white
BRN	2359739

How Does Gabapentin Work?

Gabapentin is classified as an anticonvulsant drug.

Because of its name, many think gabapentin works by interacting with GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) receptors in the central nervous system, as many other sedative-type medications do. This is not the case.

It’s not fully understood how gabapentin works, although there are indications it affects calcium levels to treat different disorders.

For postherpetic neuralgia, it is thought to prevent the increase in sensitivity that occurs as a result of the pain the condition causes. Thus, users feel less pain and reduced sensitivity.

This soothing of nerve sensitivity, and the relaxing effect it can produce, is also why gabapentin is prescribed by psychiatrists to treat anxiety. In its treatment of seizures, gabapentin seems to manipulate the effect and levels of calcium. Low levels of calcium may cause seizures.

Is Gabapentin safe?

Gabapentin is considered a safe and effective treatment for seizures, nerve pain, and anxiety. It has also shown promise as a sleep aid and possible treatment for insomnia. It may even increase sleep quality and efficiency.

More evidence-based research is needed to conclude that gabapentin is safe for long-term use as a sleep medication, however, especially since it has shown some potential for abuse and the withdrawal symptoms may be severe, negatively impacting sleep.

Gabapentin users with a history of mental illness, substance abuse, or epilepsy should only attempt detox and withdrawal from gabapentin in a medically supervised setting.

Technical Support & Resources

Information provided in the product description is from published literature. Due to the nature of scientific experimentation, your results (e.g., selectivity and effective concentrations) or specific application for this product may differ. If you have questions about how this product fits your application, please contact our technical support staff.

MSDS: MSDS available.

COA: COA can be available if you send us inquiry.

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