Gabapentin toxicity in renal failure: the importance of dose adjustment.
OBJECTIVE
This case report outlines a significant type of morbidity due to continued use of gabapentin during an episode of acute renal failure. Setting. University teaching hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
Gabapentin is widely used in the management of pain. It is entirely excreted through the renal system so this needs to be considered in any patient becoming acutely ill and developing renal failure. We describe a patient who developed significant deterioration in her conscious level due to iatrogenic gabapentin overdose.


CONCLUSIONS
All doctors need to be aware of the need to review the indications for gabapentin use during periods of acute illness, especially with regard to renal impairment. Off-label use should be discouraged.
Miller
Alice
A
St. John's Hospital, Anaesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, West Livingston, UK.
Price
Grant
G
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000368:Aged; D000588:Amines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000588:Amines; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin