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However, pregabalin may either have an additional system of absorption or be better transported than gabapentin, as it is almost completely absorbed, while gabapentin is not. 3 This is the major form of absorption for gabapentin and pregabalin, with the exception of an extended-release gabapentin prodrug to be discussed later. Because of this, they can both undergo facilitated transport across cellular membranes through system L-amino acid transporters. Overall, the pharmacokinetic profiles of these 2 medications are somewhat similar, but they also have some significant differences.įor example, both drugs are structurally similar to the amino acid leucine.

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4 Pregabalin is indicated for the same uses as gabapentin, plus the management of fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain associated with diabetes, specifically diabetic neuropathy. Gabapentin is indicated as adjunct therapy for partial seizures and postherpetic neuralgia. This binding decreases neurotransmitter release in the CNS as a result of reduced calcium influx through the gated channels. Pharmacokinetics of pregabalin and gabapentinīoth pregabalin and gabapentin are antiepileptic medications that bare structural resemblance to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), though neither agent has activity in GABA’s neuronal systems.Īlthough the exact mechanism of action is somewhat unclear, the drugs’ efficacy in neuropathic pain is linked to their ability to bind to voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system (CNS), specifically to the alpha-2-delta protein. 1 Because the products are so variable, this article compares the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of pregabalin with various gabapentin formulations, and also covers conversion regimens. Pregabalin and gabapentin are often considered first-line treatments for various neuropathic pain syndromes, generally irrespective of cause. Unfortunately, there are few head-to-head trials comparing agents for neuropathic pain, so selecting the best option can be difficult. 2 More than 85% of patients with neuropathic pain caused by peripheral neuropathy will require pharmacotherapy. 1 Of the 14 million US individuals with diabetes, roughly 25% experience painful diabetic neuropathy.ĭespite advances in vaccination for varicella zoster virus, around 25% of patients with a herpes zoster infection will develop persistent neuropathic pain. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy is estimated at about 2.4% of the population. Neuropathic pain causes significant morbidity in the United States.

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For an update to this article, read Appropriate Gabapentin Dosing for Neuropathic Pain here.

Nucleo forte uses