PREGEB 150
PRAGABALIN
What it does
Pragabalin is a medicine often used to help manage nerve pain and certain types of seizures. It can also be used for anxiety disorders.
Commonly used for: nerve pain (neuropathic pain), epilepsy (seizures), anxiety disorders
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Source: Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe · fetched 2026-04-18 08:22:10 · updated 2026-10-21 04:30:09
About this medicine
Pragabalin is a medicine often used to help manage nerve pain and certain types of seizures. It can also be used for anxiety disorders.
What it treats
- nerve pain (neuropathic pain)
- epilepsy (seizures)
- anxiety disorders
How it works
Pragabalin works by calming down overactive nerves in the brain and body, which helps reduce pain and control seizures.
Who it's for
This medication is suitable for adults and sometimes for children, depending on the condition being treated.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: pragabalin
Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain agent that is primarily used to treat nerve pain, seizures, and anxiety disorders. It is a structural derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is known for its ability to modulate neurotransmitter release and reduce excitatory neurotransmission. Pregabalin is commonly prescribed for conditions such as fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures.
Indications
- Neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia
- As adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in adults
- Generalized anxiety disorder
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
Pregabalin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This binding inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate, substance P, and norepinephrine, leading to decreased neuronal excitability. Consequently, this results in analgesic and anticonvulsant effects.
Pharmacodynamics
Pregabalin exhibits dose-dependent effects on the central nervous system. It reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, which results in decreased pain perception and seizure activity. The onset of action is typically within 1 to 2 hours, with analgesic effects being sustained over time. The drug is known to improve sleep quality in patients with chronic pain, which can further enhance its therapeutic benefits.
Pharmacokinetics
Pregabalin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1 hour. It has a bioavailability of approximately 90%. The drug is not extensively metabolized and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. The elimination half-life is approximately 6 hours, and dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal impairment. Pregabalin does not significantly bind to plasma proteins.
Adverse effects
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Dry mouth
- Edema
- Blurred vision
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating
Interactions
- CNS depressants may enhance the sedative effects of pregabalin
- May increase the risk of respiratory depression when used with opioids
- May interact with antiepileptic drugs
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse
- Monitor closely in patients with renal impairment
- Risk of withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly
Pregnancy
Pregabalin should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Pregabalin is excreted in breast milk, caution is advised when administered to breastfeeding women.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Formulations
- Capsules
- Oral solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.