Liver problems after Gabapentin in dogs

The FDA has received 1,228 reports of liver problems in dogs after Gabapentin. That is 14% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,228Reports

73%Marked serious

5.8%Recovered

25%Died or euthanised

21 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

119 13%

1–2 days

108 11%

3–7 days

110 12%

1–4 weeks

221 23%

Over a month

392 41%

How the animals did

Recovered

64 5.2%

Recovered with lasting effects

7 0.6%

Still unwell when reported

600 49%

Died

92 7.5%

Euthanised

220 18%

Not known

245 20%

Problems reported at the same time

521 42%

436 36%

388 32%

377 31%

312 25%

256 21%

202 16%

200 16%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

102

4–7 years

208

8–11 years

440

12+ years

460

About this medicine

Gabapentin used for pain and to reduce stress or anxiety.

Questions owners ask

Can Gabapentin cause liver problems in dogs?: 1,228 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 21 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Liver problems with similar medicines

Liver problems after Selegiline (Anipryl) 325 reports · 7.9% of its reports
Liver problems after Fluoxetine 136 reports · 5.3% of its reports
Liver problems after Trazodone 286 reports · 11% of its reports
Liver problems after Clomipramine (Clomicalm) 271 reports · 18% of its reports

All reported side effects of Gabapentin in dogs · Medicines most reported with liver problems