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Gabapentin

Prescription
Anticonvulsant / Neuropathic analgesic (gabapentinoid)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
6 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Binds to alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release; provides analgesia for neuropathic pain and anxiolysis

At a glance

Class
Anticonvulsant / Neuropathic analgesic (gabapentinoid)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Neuropathic/chronic pain
Dose
5–20 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID-TID
Max dose
600 mg/dose; 1800 mg/day
Duration: Long-term; taper on discontinuation
Seizure adjunct
Dose
10–20 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
TID
Max dose
600 mg/dose; 1800 mg/day
Duration: Long-term
🐈

Cat

Chronic pain / osteoarthritis
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID-TID
Max dose
100 mg/dose; 300 mg/day
Duration: Long-term
Pre-visit anxiolysis
Dose
50–200 mg/cat
Route
PO
Frequency
Once, 90 minutes before visit
Max dose
200 mg
Duration: Single dose

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 2

Strength
100mg
Available in India
Strength
300mg
Available in India
💊

Tablet — 2

Strength
300mg
Available in India
Strength
600mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Liquid formulations containing xylitol
    CRITICAL: Some human gabapentin liquids contain xylitol — TOXIC to dogs. Use only xylitol-free formulations

Use with caution

  • Renal impairment
    Renally excreted — dose reduction needed
  • Abrupt discontinuation
    Taper over 1-2 weeks to avoid rebound seizures

Adverse effects

Common
Sedation
Ataxia
Weight gain
Serious
Rebound seizures (if stopped abruptly)
Profound sedation in cats (especially with pre-existing renal disease)

Monitoring parameters

Sedation levelPain scoresRenal function in chronic useSeizure frequency (if anticonvulsant)

Interactions

Moderate — 6

Tramadol
moderate
Additive CNS depression; both cause sedation and ataxia
Management: Common multimodal analgesic combination. Reduce doses of both. Monitor for excessive sedation.
Pregabalin
moderate
Both are gabapentinoids acting on voltage-gated calcium channels; additive CNS depression and ataxia
Management: Generally do not use together — choose one. If switching, taper the first before starting the second.
Trazodone
moderate
Additive CNS depression: sedation, ataxia. Both used for anxiety/pain but combined sedation can be significant.
Management: Start with lower doses of both when combining. Monitor for excessive sedation, especially in geriatric patients.
Acepromazine
moderate
Additive CNS and sedative effects.
Management: Reduce doses when combining. Monitor sedation level.
Hydromorphone
moderate
Additive CNS depression and sedation. Gabapentin enhances opioid analgesia synergistically but increases sedation.
Management: Beneficial multimodal combination. Start gabapentin at lower dose when adding to opioid. Monitor sedation in geriatric patients.
Midazolam
moderate
Additive CNS depression and muscle relaxation.
Management: Reduce individual doses when combining. Monitor sedation and respiratory function.

Brands

International

Neurontin
Pfizer

India

Gabapin
Intas
Gabator
Torrent

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a anticonvulsant / neuropathic analgesic (gabapentinoid) used in pets. Binds to alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release; provides analgesia for neuropathic pain and anxiolysis
›What is Gabapentin used for in pets?
Gabapentin is used in veterinary medicine for: Neuropathic/chronic pain; Seizure adjunct; Chronic pain / osteoarthritis; Pre-visit anxiolysis.
›What is the Gabapentin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Gabapentin is typically dosed as follows — Neuropathic/chronic pain: 5–20 mg/kg PO BID-TID; Seizure adjunct: 10–20 mg/kg PO TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Gabapentin dose for cats?
For cats, Gabapentin is typically dosed as follows — Chronic pain / osteoarthritis: 5–10 mg/kg PO BID-TID; Pre-visit anxiolysis: 50–200 mg/cat PO Once, 90 minutes before visit. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Gabapentin?
Common: Sedation, Ataxia, Weight gain. Serious (call your vet immediately): Rebound seizures (if stopped abruptly), Profound sedation in cats (especially with pre-existing renal disease).
›Does Gabapentin need a prescription?
Yes. Gabapentin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Gabapentin not be used?
Do not use Gabapentin if: Liquid formulations containing xylitol.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →