Gapitas-M

Gabapentin (100mg) + Methylcobalamin (500mcg)
Price: ₹130 - ₹260 for 10 tablets strip
Mfr: Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) of Gabapentin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue anticonvulsant, and Methylcobalamin, the active form of Vitamin B12. This combination is primarily used in the Indian market for the management of neuropathic pain, particularly diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and for addressing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy like numbness and tingling. Gabapentin modulates calcium channels to reduce neuronal excitability, while Methylcobalamin supports nerve regeneration and myelin synthesis.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: Typically 1 tablet (Gabapentin 100mg + Methylcobalamin 500mcg) two to three times daily. Gabapentin dose is usually titrated: Start with 100mg TDS, may be increased based on response and tolerability to 300mg TDS. The maximum recommended dose of Gabapentin for neuropathic pain is 1800-3600 mg/day in divided doses, but this FDC is a low-dose formulation.

Note: Take with or without food. Food does not significantly affect Gabapentin absorption but may improve GI tolerance. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew. Maintain consistent timing of doses.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to Gabapentin, Methylcobalamin, or any excipient
  • Acute pancreatitis (relative contraindication for Methylcobalamin in some views)

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Gabapentin binds with high affinity to the α2-δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This binding inhibits the release of several excitatory neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate, substance P, norepinephrine) involved in pain signaling. It does not interact with GABA receptors directly. Methylcobalamin acts as a cofactor for methionine synthase, essential for myelin synthesis and nerve regeneration, and for L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, involved in fatty acid metabolism crucial for neuronal integrity.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Somnolence (drowsiness)
  • Fatigue
  • Peripheral edema (swelling of extremities)
  • Ataxia (loss of coordination)
  • Nausea
  • Headache

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Gabapentin: Pregnancy Category C (US FDA). Limited human data, potential risk. Use only if benefit outweighs risk. Methylcobalamin: Category A (considered safe). However, the combination should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Driving: May impair alertness and motor coordination. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Opioids (e.g., Morphine, Oxycodone)Increased risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, and death.Major
Antacids (Aluminum, Magnesium hydroxide)Reduces Gabapentin bioavailability by up to 20%. Administer Gabapentin at least 2 hours after antacid.Moderate
Alcohol / CNS DepressantsAdditive CNS depression (drowsiness, dizziness).Major
LevodopaMethylcobalamin may reduce Levodopa efficacy in Parkinson's disease.Moderate
ChloramphenicolMay decrease the hematopoietic response to Methylcobalamin.Moderate

🔁 Alternatives to Gapitas-M

Same composition (Gabapentin (100mg) + Methylcobalamin (500mcg)), different brands:

Gabantin NT Nurokind-G Gaba Plus Gaba-OD