Pregabalin
Anti-epileptic · GABA analogue
Indications
Peripheral and central neuropathic pain; adjunctive therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization. Generalized anxiety disorder.
Dosage
Neuropathic pain: Adults: Initially 150 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses, increased if necessary after 3-7 days to 300 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses increased further if necessary after 7 days to max 600 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses. Epilepsy: Adults: Initially 25 mg twice daily, increased at 7-day intervals in steps of 50 mg daily to 300 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses, increased further if necessary after 7 days to max 600 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses. Generalized anxiety disorder: Adults: Initially 150 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses, if required increase dose after at least 7 day intervals in steps of 150 mg daily. Max 600 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses. Children: Not recommended.
Adverse Effects
Dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence; oedema; dizziness, drowsiness, somnolence, nasopharyngitis, sedation, insomnia, disorientation, decreased libido, ataxia, tremor, dysarthria, hypoaesthesia, GI upset, erectile dysfunction, musculoskeletal pain, back and limb pain, muscle cramps, cervical spasm, irritability, attention disturbance, disturbances in muscle control and movement, memory impairment, paraesthesia, euphoria, confusion, fatigue, appetite changes, weight gain; changes in sexual function; visual disturbances and ocular disorders (including blurred vision, diplopia, eye strain and eye irritation). CHF, angioedema, renal failure and encephalopathy.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Precautions: Avoid abrupt withdrawal (taper over at least 1 week); severe congestive heart failure; renal impairment. History of substance abuse. Risk factors for encephalopathy. Diabetes. Monitor patients for suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Elderly. Withdraw gradually.
Interactions
Oxycodone, ethanol, lorazepam, opioid analgesics, alcohol, other CNS depressants, anti-spasticity agents.
Advice to Patient
Take with or without meals. Do not stop taking medication abruptly, gradually lower the dose and then stop. Contact prescriber if there is change in vision, unexplained muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, malaise, fever. If you have diabetes, check your skin frequently and monitor blood glucose level regularly, inform prescriber about changes. On start of therapy or change of dosage, patient must be watched for suicidal tendency.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: Pain management: Effects may be noted as early as the first wk of therapy. Absorption: Extended release: AUC is approximately 30% lower when administered while fasting. Metabolism: Negligible. Bioavailability: >90%. Half-life elimination: 6.3 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Extended release: Median: 8 hrs with food; Immediate-release: Median: 0.7 hrs fasting, 3 hrs with food. Excretion: Urine (90% as unchanged drug; minor metabolites).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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