Pregabalin - Profile of efficacy and tolerability in neuropathic pain

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Drugs Today (Barc). 2009 Nov;45(Supl. C):19-27.

Pregabalin - Profile of efficacy and tolerability in neuropathic pain

Stump P.

Medico fisiatra do Instituto Lauro De Souza Lima de Bauru. Medico fisiatra do

Grupo de Dor da Neurologia do HC da FMUSP.

Pregabalin (PGB), like its predecessor gabapentin, is a structural analogue (but

not functional) of the gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA). PGB has analgesic,

antoconvulsivant, and ansiolytic activities. Neuropathic pain (NP) initial

recommended dose is 150 mg per day. Depending on the patient response or bodily

resistance to the drug the initial dose can be increased up to 300 mg per day

(divided in 2-3 daily doses) during a one-week period. PGB is quickly absorbed

in the digestive system with high oral biodisponibility. The drug is eliminated

almost exclusively by renal excretion (98%). PGB efficacy was evaluated by

several studies by means of visual analog scales (VAS) in several NP conditions

such as post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN) or painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

When compared with placebo, PGB provided significant benefit with 150 mg doses

in the treatment of PHN pain. In studies developed in patients with PDN, the

significant difference between placebo and treatment group only was achieved in

individuals with daily doses of 300 mg/day, and the response was clearly

dose-dependent. Tolerability information obtained from a number of studies has

shown that the drug has a very good safety and tolerability profile. Side

effects were mild to moderate and dose-dependent. Based on controlled studies,

the main adverse effects observed with PGB are dizziness (23.1%), drowsiness

(14.6%), and peripheral aedema (10.4%). As these side effects are dosedependent,

they can be easily managed by a simple dose reduction, with no need to

discontinue the therapy. Thus, according to efficacy and tolerability data, PGB

is an important therapeutic option in NP treatment.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thank you very much for this information.

-Leena.