What it does
Pregabalin is a medication commonly used to relieve nerve pain and manage certain types of seizures.
Commonly used for: nerve pain (neuropathic pain), epilepsy (partial seizures), generalized anxiety disorder
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:19:39 · updated 2026-07-20 09:02:53
About this medicine
Pregabalin is a medication commonly used to relieve nerve pain and manage certain types of seizures.
What it treats
- nerve pain (neuropathic pain)
- epilepsy (partial seizures)
- generalized anxiety disorder
How it works
Pregabalin works by calming overactive nerves in the brain and body, helping to reduce pain and seizures.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults and children over 1 month old who have nerve pain or epilepsy.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: pregabalin75mg
Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and generalized anxiety disorder. It is a structural analogue of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is known for its efficacy in reducing neuronal excitability.
Indications
- Neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia
- Epilepsy (as an adjunctive therapy for partial seizures)
- Generalized anxiety disorder
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing guidelines for paediatric patients.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing recommendations based on the condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
Pregabalin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This binding inhibits excitatory neurotransmitter release, thereby decreasing neuronal excitability and reducing pain transmission and seizure activity.
Pharmacodynamics
Pregabalin exhibits analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic properties. It is effective in managing neuropathic pain conditions by altering the way the brain processes pain signals. Additionally, it reduces the frequency of seizures in epilepsy by stabilizing neuronal membranes.
Pharmacokinetics
Pregabalin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1 hour. It has a bioavailability of approximately 90% and is not significantly metabolized in the liver. The elimination half-life is around 6.3 hours, and it is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. Renal function significantly affects its clearance, requiring dose adjustments in patients with renal impairment.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to pregabalin or any excipients in the formulation
- Severe renal impairment
Adverse effects
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Dry mouth
- Edema
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Euphoria or dysphoria
Interactions
- CNS depressants may enhance the sedative effects of pregabalin
- Alcohol may increase the risk of CNS effects
- ACE inhibitors may increase the risk of angioedema
Precautions
- Caution in patients with a history of substance abuse
- Caution in elderly patients due to potential for increased sensitivity
- Use with caution in patients with a history of mood disorders
- Withdrawal symptoms may occur with abrupt discontinuation
Pregnancy
Pregabalin is classified as pregnancy category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Pregabalin is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to breastfeeding women, as the effects on the infant are not known.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Capsules - 75 mg
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.