Gabapentin is commonly used in long-term care and skilled nursing settings. Because it is available under multiple product names, strengths, and dosage forms, it's important to verify the exact formulation being prescribed and dispensed—especially during admissions, readmissions, and resident transfers.

Gabarone® Tablets vs. Neurontin® Capsules

A recurring medication selection error occurs when Gabarone (gabapentin) tablets are selected instead of Neurontin (gabapentin) capsules. This can happen during order entry, medication reconciliation, or e-prescribing when the active ingredient and strength appear similar.

Facilities should pay particular attention to 100 mg and 400 mg orders. These strengths are available as Gabarone (gabapentin) tablets (High-Cost Brand) and are also commonly prescribed as gabapentin capsules, increasing the risk of selecting the incorrect dosage form.

Why It Matters

Selecting tablets when capsules were intended can result in:

• Significantly higher medication costs for Medicare Part A and other facility-pay residents.
• Insurance claim rejections when the selected product, dosage form, or NDC does not meet plan requirements.
• Delays in therapy while the prescription is clarified or corrected, even though the active ingredient is the same.

How Facilities Can Help Prevent Errors

• Verify the dosage form. Confirm whether the prescription is for a capsule, tablet, or oral solution—not just the drug name and strength.
• Pay close attention to 100 mg and 400 mg orders. These strengths have a higher risk of tablet/capsule selection errors.
• Review medication histories. Compare the resident's previous formulation with the newly entered order during admissions and readmissions.
• Clarify discrepancies promptly. Contact the prescriber or pharmacy before billing issues or treatment delays occur.
• Educate staff. Reinforce that gabapentin tablets and capsules are not always clinically, operationally, or financially interchangeable.

Key Takeaway

A quick verification of the intended dosage form can help prevent unnecessary costs, insurance claim rejections, and delays in resident care. Whenever reviewing a gabapentin order, confirm whether the prescribed product is a capsule, tablet, or oral solution before dispensing or administering the medication.

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