Description

Pregabalin is an analog of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It has analgesic and anticonvulsant activity. Pregabalin binds to an auxiliary subunit ( 2 protein) of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system and reduces calcium influx into the nerve terminals. It decreases the release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, noradrenaline and Substance P. It also increases neural GABA levels by producing a dose dependent increase in Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) activity. GAD is the enzyme that converts the excitatory glutamate into inhibitory GABA in a single step. Binding of Pregabalin to the 2 site is required for analgesic and anticonvulsant activity.

Presentation

    Neurovan-25 Capsule: Each capsule contains Pregabalin BP 25 mg.
    Neurovan-50 Capsule: Each capsule contains Pregabalin BP 50 mg.
    Neurovan-75 Capsule: Each capsule contains Pregabalin BP 75 mg.

Indications

    Peripheral and central neuropathic pain as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization,

    Generalised anxiety disorder

    Fibromyalgia.

Dosage & Administration

    Neuropathic pain: Adult over 18 years: 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: Adult over 18 years: 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. Generalised anxiety disorder: Adult over 18 years: Initially 150 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses, increased if necessary at 7-day intervals in steps of 150 mg daily; max. 600 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses. Fibromyalgia: The recommended dose of Pregabalin is 300-450 mg/day. Dosing should begin at 75 mg twice daily and may be increased to 150 mg two times daily within 1 week based on efficacy and tolerability. Patients who do not experience sufficient benefit with 300 mg/day may be further increased to 225 mg twice daily.

Contrainidications

    Pregabalin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Pregabalin.

Warning & Precautions

    Patients with hereditary problems of galactose metabolism should not take Pregabalin. In some diabetic patients who gain weight on Pregabalin treatment may need to adjust hypoglycemic medications. Pregabalin should be discontinued immediately if symptoms of angioedema such as facial perioral, or upper airway swelling occur. Antiepileptic drugs (AED), including Pregabalin, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pregabalin should be discontinued if myopathy is diagnosed or suspected or if markedly elevated creatinine kinase levels occur. 

Side effects

    Dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, dizziness, drowsiness etc. may occur. Drug interactions: Since Pregabalin is predomitantly excreted unchanged in the urine, undergoes negligible metabolism in humans, it does not inhibit drug metabolism.

Drug interaction

    Since pregabalin is predominantly excreted unchanged in the urine, undergoes negligible metabolism in humans, it does not inhibit drug metabolism. 

Use in special groups

    Use in pregnancy: Pregabalin is a pregnancy category C drug. It should be used during pregnancy where there are no alternatives and benefits outweigh risk.

    Use in nursing mother: There are no data on the excretion of Pregabalin into human milk. Because of the potential for tumorogenicity shown for Pregabalin in animal studies, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

    Use in children & adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of Pregabalin have not been established in patients below the age of 18 years.

    Use in elderly (Over 65 years of age): No dosage adjustment is necessary in elderly patients. Overdose: In overdoses up to 15 g, no unexpected adverse effects were reported.

Packing

    Neurovan-25 Capsule: Each box contains 30's Capsules in Alu-Alu blister pack.
    Neurovan-50 Capsule: Each box contains 30's Capsules in Alu-Alu blister pack.
    Neurovan-75 Capsule: Each box contains 30's Capsules in Alu-Alu blister pack.