Does Gabapentin Have a Role in the Improvement of Feeding Resistance in Infants? Publisher



H Saneian HOSSEIN ; P Nasri PEIMAN ; A Heydari AHMAD ; Am Sabzghabaee Ali MOHAMMAD ; M Yazdi MARYAM ; M Khademian MAJID ; F Famouri FATEMEH
Source: Advanced Biomedical Research Published:2024

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders in some infants can be due to the inability to reach a level of relaxation necessary to start the feeding process. Gabapentin (GB) has been proposed as a stabilizer of nerve function in improving this disorder. This study aimed to investigate the effect of GB on improving feeding resistance in infants aged 3–6 months. Materials and Methods: This randomized, controlled, double‑blind clinical trial was done on 64 infants aged 3‑6 months with feeding resistance who were referred to the pediatric clinics and assigned to two groups of 32. The case group was given a dose of 5 mg/kg of GB in the first week, and if not too much sedation, it was increased to 10 mg/kg in the second week every 8 hours, whereas the control group received a placebo. The number of effective breastfeeding and the volume of formula in cc before and after 2 weeks of drug usage were recorded in both groups. Results: The number of breastfeeding sessions significantly had a higher increase in the GB group compared with placebo (median [IQR]: 1 [0,1] vs. 0 [0,1], P = 0.005) as well as an increase in consumed formula volume (mean ± SD: 42.81 ± 24.49 vs. 18.67 ± 14.57, P = 0.003). Conclusion: Considering the significant increase in formula consumption and the number of breastfeeding sessions in the GB group, it is possible to use this drug as a nerve‑stabilizer and pain reducer to treat this disorder. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.