Gabapentinoid Dosing and Associated Toxicities in Patients With or Without Concomitant Opioids During Hospitalization

Gabapentinoid drugs (gabapentin and pregabalin) are increasingly used for pain as both patients and physicians seek opioid-sparing or opioid-reducing strategies. Such widespread use for off-label pain indications is not supported by robust evidence, risking potential unintended consequences relating to adverse events. This study evaluated adult patients who were administered at least one dose of a gabapentinoid during a hospital admission between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. The primary objective was to compare the difference in administered gabapentinoid total daily dose in patients with or without concomitant opioid. Secondary objectives included comparing the difference in sedation documentation, renal function, fall risk scores using the Hester Davis Fall Risk Scale, and central nervous system (CNS) related side effects between the 2 study groups. Four hundred and ninety nine patients (pregabalin n = 32 and gabapentin n = 467) were included. Due to small sample size for pregabalin, outcome results were presented for gabapentin only. The mean gabapentin total daily dose was 706 mg (SD = 614 mg) in the non-opioid group versus 860 mg (SD = 553 mg) in the opioid group (p = 0.007). There was more sedation documentation observed in the opioid group (p < 0.001). Patients in the opioid group used a significantly higher gabapentinoid total daily dose. Sedation documentation was significantly more in the opioid group despite commonly reported CNS related adverse events with gabapentinoids.