Renal effects gabapentin

In addition to treating insomnia, gabapentin has been used to treat epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. It is generally well tolerated with sedation and headaches being the only prominent side effects. Because gabapentin is excreted unchanged in urine, it does not require metabolism by the liver. It is therefore easily eliminated by elderly patients and those with liver disease, although it should be used with caution in those with poor renal (kidney) function. 

Gabapentin Unclear 5-7 1-2 days Slow escalation of dose reduces the risk of adverse reactions. Renal elimination - observe possible need for dose reduction in elderly. Evidence of effect in zoster pain and in neuropathic pain. Not first choice... 

Grunze H, Dittert S, Bungert M, Erfurth A. Renal impairment as a possible side effect of gabapentin. A single case report. Neuropsychobiology 1998 38(3) 198-9. 

A brief report notes that probenecid had no effect on the renal ciearance of gabapentin. No study details were given. ... 

In a double-blind study, 13 patients with normal renal function were given a single 600-mg dose of lithium either with or without gabapentin at steady state. Gabapentin did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of the lithium, and no increase in adverse effects was noted. More longterm studies will be needed to confirm this lack of interaction, especially in patients with impaired renal function as both drugs are eliminated by renal excretion. ... 

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