Authors' recommendations: There is a paucity of primary studies comparing the potential for misuse of gabapentin capsules and tablets. There is evidence from case reports that gabapentin capsules may be subject to misuse in certain populations, particularly those with histories of substance abuse or dependency. It is conceivable, however, that gabapentin tablets would also be subject to intranasal misuse since the tablets can be crushed and the resulting powder inhaled. Furthermore, oral misuse has been reported and it is unlikely that the dosage form would be an important determinant of whether or not the agent was misused in these cases.In addition, the capsule and tablet forms of gabapentin are supplied in different doses without overlap. Thus, directly substituting one for the other is not necessarily appropriate.In summary, there is insufficient information to evaluate the extent of misuse of gabapentin capsules and insufficient data to confirm gabapentin tablets are associated with less frequent misuse than gabapentin capsules.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/htis/L0169%20Gabapentin%20Tablets%20Versus%20Capsules%20final.pdf

Year Published: 2010

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)