A review of the drug pregabalin.

ABSTRACT

Pregabalin (PGB) is a well-established anticonvulsant and analgesic agent. The stydy reviewed the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions, contraindications, and various uses of PGB. Literature search was done to identify the relevant studies. PGB is an antagonist of voltage-gated calcium channels and specifically binds to α2-δ subunit to produce antiepileptic and analgesic activity. It has less protein binding activity and lacks hepatic metabolism. It is unlikely to cause pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions. It has a wide safety margin and does not require serum drug monitoring. The above-mentioned favorable pharmacological benefits of PGB makes it a first-line or adjunctive therapy in various conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, in partial seizures and generalized anxiety disorders.