Gabapentin in acute postoperative pain management.
Gabapentin (1-aminomethyl-cyclohexaneacetic acid) is an amino acid that has the structure of the neurotransmitter γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a novel drug used for the treatment of postoperative pain with antihyperalgesic properties and a unique mechanism of action. Gabapentin and the related, more potent compound pregabalin have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of neuropathic pain as well as postoperative pain following spinal surgery and hysterectomy. This study reviews five aspects of gabapentin: (1) chemical and structural characteristics; (2) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; (3) application in acute pain management; (4) adverse effects; and (5) drug safety. Overall, gabapentin has been reported to be a safe and efficacious drug for the treatment of postoperative pain.
Department of Anesthesia, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB E-538, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA.
Connie Y
CY
Chang
Department of Anesthesia, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB E-538, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA.
Chaitanya K
CK
Challa
Department of Anesthesia, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB E-538, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA.
Janki
J
Shah
Department of Anesthesia, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB E-538, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA.
Jean Daniel
JD
Eloy
D059787:Acute Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D000588:Amines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin