Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Gabapentin

Anticonvulsant / neuropathic analgesic (gabapentinoid)

Brand names: Neurontin

Oral health effects

  • Xerostomia

    Dry mouth reported; also used for orofacial neuropathic pain.

    Clinical management: Hydration and caries prevention.

  • Swelling of the lips, tongue or gums (angioedema, rare)

    Angioedema affecting the lips, tongue, gums or throat can occur after the first dose or at any time (label warning).

    Clinical management: Ask about previous facial or oral swelling. Acute swelling of the tongue or throat is an emergency; call emergency services and manage the airway. Patients on ACE inhibitors may be at higher risk.

Sources

  1. A Guide to Medications Inducing Salivary Gland Dysfunction, Xerostomia, and Subjective Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review Sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI. Wolff A, Joshi RK, Ekström J, et al. Drugs in R&D, 2017.
  2. Gabapentin prescribing information (FDA label) Bryant Ranch Prepack / DailyMed, 2024.
  3. Adverse drug events in the oral cavity. Yuan A, Woo SB. Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2015.