Assessment of the effect of gabapentin on blood pressure in cats with and without chronic kidney disease

Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of gabapentin on blood pressure (BP) in cats with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed. A total of 29 cats were included: 13 cats with stable CKD (IRIS stage 2–4) and 16 apparently healthy cats (serum creatinine <1.6 mg/dl and urine specific gravity >1.035). The cats were evaluated twice, approximately 1 week apart, and BP (Doppler sphygmomanometry) was obtained 3 h after cats received either a single dose of gabapentin 10mg/kg PO or placebo. For each cat, BP readings were obtained at each visit using the same Doppler and sphygmomanometer unit, and the same cat holder and Doppler operator, in the same location. Results After administration of a single dose of gabapentin (10 mg/kg PO), BP was significantly lower (median 122 mmHg, range 82–170) than after administration of the placebo (median 150 mmHg, range 102–191; P = 0.001). In the CKD subgroup, BP was significantly lower after administration of gabapentin (median 129 mmHg, range 96–170) than after administration of the placebo (median 155 mmHg, range 102–191; P = 0.008). In the healthy cat subgroup, BP was significantly lower after administration of gabapentin (median 121 mmHg, range 82–139) than after administration of the placebo (median 137 mmHg, range 102–177; P = 0.002). The median change in BP was −12 mmHg (range −95 to 10) for healthy cats and −12 mmHg (range −43 to 21) for cats with CKD (no significant difference between subgroups). Conclusions and relevance Gabapentin may decrease arterial BP in cats with and without CKD and these findings should be taken into account when gabapentin is administered to patients in which measurement of BP is needed.