Can You Open Gabapentin Capsules?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not gabapentin capsules can safely be opened.
I take Neurontin for nerve pain. The capsules are gigantic and I have to take a lot of them. Can they be opened?
Aug 04, 2022- Gabapentin capsules can be safely opened and the powder sprinkled onto food or into a drink if you have trouble swallowing them. You should consume the food or drink with the powder right away to ensure you get the full dose. Semi-solid foods like applesauce work well, but make sure to drink all of any liquid you mix the powder into.
Answer
Hello and thanks for reaching out to us! I certainly understand the problems you're facing! Neurontin (gabapentin) capsules are not only fairly large, but many individuals are prescribed to take multiple capsules at one time, several times a day.
Opening The Capsules
The good news is if you are having trouble swallowing (gabapentin) capsules, they can safely be opened, and the contents of the capsule can be sprinkled onto food or into a drink for immediate consumption.
Several studies have shown that opening the capsules and using the powder will not negatively affect the drug. In fact, liquid suspensions created using the powder contained in gabapentin capsules have shown good stability over a period of at least one month. Nevertheless, it is important to immediately consume the food or drink you sprinkle the gabapentin powder onto, just to be safe.
When opening capsules, I generally recommend sprinkling the powder on semi-solid food, such as applesauce or chocolate syrup, instead of a drink, just to ensure that you are getting the full dose.
It does appear though that gabapentin is highly soluble in water and fruit juice (one study used orange juice to dissolve gabapentin powder before being administered to children), so putting the powder in a drink and taking right away should be fine too. Just make sure you drink all of the liquid to ensure you are taking the full dose.
Final Words
Thanks so much for reaching out to us! Please feel free to contact us again if anything else comes up.
References & sources
- Efficacy of Gabapentin Therapy in Refractory Seizure. — Journal of the Korean Child Neurology Society 1997;5(2):251-257.
- Development of two stable oral suspensions for gabapentin — PubMed
- Stability of gabapentin in extemporaneously compounded oral suspensions — PLOS ONE
- Gabapentin Monograph — DailyMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Neurontin
- A brand name for the medication gabapentin, used to treat nerve pain and certain types of seizures.
- Gabapentin
- A prescription medication that works on the nervous system to reduce nerve pain and help control seizures.
- Capsules
- A type of medication container made of gelatin or other material that holds powdered or liquid drug inside.
- Dysphagia
- Difficulty swallowing, which is the problem being addressed in this answer.
- Suspension
- A liquid mixture where tiny particles of a solid substance are scattered throughout the liquid without fully dissolving.
- Soluble
- Able to dissolve or break down completely in a liquid.
- Bioavailability
- The amount of medication that actually enters your bloodstream and is available to work in your body.
- Dose
- The specific amount of medication prescribed to be taken at one time.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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