Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Pregabalin, USP is described chemically as ( S )-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid. The molecular formula is C 8 H 17 NO 2 and the molecular weight is 159.23. The chemical structure of pregabalin is: Pregabalin is a white to off-white, crystalline solid with a pK a1 of 4.2 and a pK a2 of 10.6. It is freely soluble in water and both basic and acidic aqueous solutions.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Pregabalin binds with high affinity to the alpha2-delta site (an auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels) in central nervous system tissues. Although the mechanism of action of pregabalin has not been fully elucidated, results with genetically modified mice and with compounds structurally related to pregabalin (such as gabapentin) suggest that binding to the alpha2-delta subunit may be involved in pregabalin's anti-nociceptive and antiseizure effects in animals. In animal models of nerve damage, pregabalin has been shown to reduce calcium-dependent release of pro-nociceptive neurotransmitters in the spinal cord, possibly by disrupting alpha2-delta containing-calcium channel trafficking and/or reducing calcium currents.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pregabalin capsules are indicated for: Management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy Management of postherpetic neuralgia Adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month of age and older Management of fibromyalgia Management of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury Pregabalin capsules are indicated for: Neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) ( 1 ) Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) ( 1 ) Adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 1...
Common Doses
- 150 mg
- 300 mg
- 600 mg
- 14 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For adult indications, begin dosing at 150 mg/day. For partial-onset seizure dosing in pediatric patients 1 month of age and older, refer to section 2.4 . (2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.5 , 2.6 ) Dosing recommendations: INDICATION Dosing Regimen Maximum Dose DPN Pain ( 2.2 ) 3 divided doses per day 300 mg/day within 1 week PHN ( 2.3 ) 2 or 3 divided doses per day 300 mg/day within 1 week. Maximum dose of 600 mg/day. Adjunctive Therapy for Partial-Onset Seizures in Pediatric and Adult Patients Weighing 30 kg or More (2.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pregabalin capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to pregabalin or any of its components. Angioedema and hypersensitivity reactions have occurred in patients receiving pregabalin therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Known hypersensitivity to pregabalin or any of its components. ( 4 )
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions with Abrupt or Rapid Discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Dizziness and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Peripheral Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Since pregabalin capsules are predominantly excreted unchanged in the urine, undergoes negligible metabolism in humans (less than 2% of a dose recovered in urine as metabolites), and does not bind to plasma proteins, its pharmacokinetics are unlikely to be affected by other agents through metabolic interactions or protein binding displacement. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that pregabalin capsules are unlikely to be involved in significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions.