Pregabalin
/api/v1/drug/pregabalinMechanism of action
Sourced from openFDAMechanism-of-action class: Unknown Cellular or Molecular Interaction.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- 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 month of age and older ( 1) Fibromyalgia ( 1) Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury (1 )ICD-10: G40.909
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- 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) ] .contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDAFor 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 ( 2.4 ) 2 or 3 divided doses per day Maximum dose of 600 mg/day. Adjunctive Therapy for Partial-Onset Seizures in Pediatric Patients Weighing Less than 30 kg ( 2.4 ) 1 month to less than 4 years: 3 divided doses per day 4 years and older: 2 or 3 divided doses per day 14 mg/kg/day. Fibromyalgia ( 2.5 ) 2 divided doses per day 300 mg/day within 1 week. Maximum dose of 450 mg/day. Neuropathic Pain Associated with Spinal Cord Injury ( 2.6 ) 2 divided doses per day 300 mg/day within 1 week. Maximum dose of 600 mg/day. Dose should be adjusted in adult patients with reduced renal function. ( 2.7 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Pregabalin capsules are given orally with or without food. When discontinuing pregabalin capsules, taper gradually over a minimum of 1 week [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . Because pregabalin is eliminated primarily by renal excretion, adjust the dose in adult patients with reduced renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ] .
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDAAngioedema (e.g., swelling of the throat, head and neck) can occur, and may be associated with life-threatening respiratory compromise requiring emergency treatment. Discontinue pregabalin immediately in these cases. ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., hives, dyspnea, and wheezing) can occur. Discontinue pregabalin immediately in these patients. ( 5.2 ) Antiepileptic drugs, including pregabalin, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. ( 5.3 ) Respiratory depression: May occur with pregabalin, when used with concomitant CNS depressants or in the setting of underlying respiratory impairment. Monitor patients and adjust dosage as appropriate. (5.4 ) Pregabalin may cause dizziness and somnolence and impair patients’ ability to drive or operate machinery. ( 5.5 ) Increased seizure frequency or other adverse reactions may occur if pregabalin is rapidly discontinued. Withdraw pregabalin gradually over a minimum of 1 week. ( 5.6 ) Pregabalin may cause peripheral edema. Exercise caution when co-administering pregabalin and thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agents. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Angioedema There have been postmarketing reports of angioedema in patients during initial and chronic treatment with pregabalin. Specific symptoms included swelling of the face, mouth (tongue, lips, and gums), and neck (throat and larynx). There were reports of life-threatening angioedema with respiratory compromise requiring emergency treatment. Discontinue pregabalin immediately in patients with these symptoms.
Adverse reactions
Sourced from openFDAThe 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) ] Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Dizziness and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions with Abrupt or Rapid Discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Peripheral Edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Weight Gain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Tumorigenic Potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Ophthalmological Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Creatine Kinase Elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Decreased Platelet Count [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] PR Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 5% and twice placebo) in adults are dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, edema, blurred vision, weight gain, and thinking abnormal (primarily difficulty with concentration/attention). ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 5% and twice placebo) in pediatric patients for the treatment of partial-onset seizures are increased weight and increased appetite. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. at 1-844-874-7464 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Use in specific populations
Sourced from openFDALactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to pregabalin during pregnancy. To provide information regarding the effects of in utero exposure to pregabalin, physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking pregabalin capsules enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves. Information on the registry can also be found at the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/. Risk Summary Observational studies on the use of pregabalin during pregnancy suggest a possible small increase in the rate of overall major birth defects, but there was no consistent or specific pattern of major birth defects identified (see Data ) . Available postmarketing data on miscarriage and other maternal, fetal, and long term developmental adverse effects were insufficient to identify risk associated with pregabalin.
Overdosage
Sourced from openFDASigns, Symptoms and Laboratory Findings of Acute Overdosage in Humans In the postmarketing experience, the most commonly reported adverse events observed with pregabalin when taken in overdose include reduced consciousness, depression/anxiety, confusional state, agitation, and restlessness. Seizures and heart block have also been reported. Deaths have been reported in the setting of lone pregabalin overdose and in combination with other CNS depressants. Treatment or Management of Overdose There is no specific antidote for overdose with pregabalin. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug may be attempted by emesis or gastric lavage; observe usual precautions to maintain the airway. General supportive care of the patient is indicated including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient. Contact a Certified Poison Control Center for up-to-date information on the management of overdose with pregabalin. Pregabalin can be removed by hemodialysis. Standard hemodialysis procedures result in significant clearance of pregabalin (approximately 50% in 4 hours).
Approval history
Sourced from openFDA- Dec 30, 2004NDANDA021446Upjohn
- Jan 4, 2010NDANDA022488Upjohn
- Oct 11, 2017NDANDA209501Upjohn
- Jul 19, 2019ANDAANDA207799Alkem Labs Ltd
- Jul 19, 2019ANDAANDA209664Dr Reddys
- Jul 19, 2019ANDAANDA211384Invagen Pharms
- Jul 19, 2019ANDAANDA209357Msn
- Jul 19, 2019ANDAANDA208677Sciegen Pharms
FAERS reports
- 1Drug Ineffective26,73310%
- 2Pain26,1039.8%
- 3Fatigue15,3575.7%
- 4Dizziness14,6725.5%
- 5Nausea14,2685.3%
- 6Off Label Use13,5235.1%
- 7Headache12,8724.8%
- 8Malaise12,7354.8%
- 9Somnolence11,6964.4%
- 10Weight Increased11,5034.3%
- 11Pain In Extremity11,2824.2%
- 12Fall10,9054.1%
- 13Dyspnoea10,2783.8%
- 14Diarrhoea9,9903.7%
- 15Insomnia9,6473.6%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Pregabalin as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Patterns of pregabalin misuse: Need for intervention.The Indian journal of medical research · 2026 · Sarvepalli T, Mewada S, Shukla S, et al.PMID 42237837DOI 10.25259/IJMR_2462_2025
- Changes in Gabapentinoid Use Among Danish Patients With Spinal Pain: A Comparison of Two Secondary Care Cohorts 2013-2014 and 2021-2022.European journal of pain (London, England) · 2026 · Hansen A, Ziegler DS, Hartvigsen J, et al.PMID 42178717DOI 10.1002/ejp.70305
- Rutin enhances the analgesic efficacy of low-dose pregabalin without sedative side effects in a rat model of chronic constriction injury.The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology · 2026 · Helvacı G, Arslan R, Bektaş N, et al.PMID 42166536DOI 10.1093/jpp/rgag054
- Association of perioperative gabapentinoids with persistent opioid requirements following below knee amputation - A nationwide claims-based retrospective cohort study.Journal of clinical anesthesia · 2026 · Hussain N, Brull R, Gilron I, et al.PMID 42160880DOI 10.1016/j.jclinane.2026.112239
- Gabapentinoid Polypharmacy Among Medicare Beneficiaries During the Poststroke Recovery Period.Health services research · 2026 · Brooks JD, Rocha RB, Donahue MA, et al.PMID 42159025DOI 10.1111/1475-6773.70133
- Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Combination in Patients With Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized, Open-Label, Non-Inferiority, Phase IV Clinical Trial and Subgroup Analysis (OPTIMUM Study).Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2026 · Oh TJ, Kim SS, Lee SH, et al.PMID 42056717DOI 10.1111/dom.70795
- Pregabalin for Opioid-resistant Neuropathic Pain in Bone Metastases.Anticancer research · 2026 · Sakai K, Ikeda-Sakai Y, Matsuoka H, et al.PMID 42049348DOI 10.21873/anticanres.18146
- A hospital-based multi-centric observational study to explore the prevalence and correlates of non-medical use and dependence of pregabalin among the patients with substance use disorder in Punjab & Chandigarh.Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy · 2026 · Aneja J, Bala N, Sidana A, et al.PMID 41992253DOI 10.1186/s13011-026-00730-9
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 625 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Pregabalin as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- Human Experimental Models of Pain (HEMP)Not yet recruiting · Interventional · 25 enrolled · National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)NCT07549490updated 2026-06-12
- Pregabalin Versus Placebo as an Add on for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS) of the Upper Limb Managed by Stellate Ganglion Block (The PREGA Study)Terminated · Interventional · 14 enrolled · McMaster UniversityNCT00891397updated 2026-06-11
- Efficacy of Electroacupuncture for Acute Herpes Zoster-Associated Pain and Biomarker EvaluationRecruiting · Interventional · 228 enrolled · Dexiong HanNCT07515885updated 2026-06-09
- Efficacy of Pregabalin for Patients With Irritable Bowel SyndromeRecruiting · Interventional · 258 enrolled · Beijing Tiantan HospitalNCT07635394updated 2026-06-09
- Effect of Pregabalin on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Craniotomy Patients.Active not recruiting · Interventional · 100 enrolled · Benha UniversityNCT07630753updated 2026-06-08
- Pregabalin Phonophoresis for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome PainActive not recruiting · Interventional · 30 enrolled · University of FaisalabadNCT07613476updated 2026-06-08
- A Study Following Women in Menopause Treated With a Non-hormonal Therapy for Hot Flashes and Night SweatsCompleted · Observational · 999 enrolled · Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.NCT06049797updated 2026-06-05
- Comparison Between Pregabalin and Acetaminophen for the Treatment of Post-Mastectomy Pain SyndromeCompleted · Phase 4 · Interventional · 158 enrolled · Subas AliNCT07567924updated 2026-06-04
- Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of VX-993 for Pain Associated With Diabetic Peripheral NeuropathyRecruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 300 enrolled · Vertex Pharmaceuticals IncorporatedNCT06619860updated 2026-06-01
- Pharmacokinetics of Y-4 Tablets With Pregabalin Capsules and Riluzole Tablets in U.S. Healthy ParticipantsNot yet recruiting · Phase 1 · Interventional · 11 enrolled · Neurodawn Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.NCT07618715updated 2026-06-01
Frequently asked questions
- How does Pregabalin work?
- Mechanism-of-action class: Unknown Cellular or Molecular Interaction.
- What is Pregabalin used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Pregabalin carries indications including: 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 month of age and older ( 1) Fibromyalgia ( 1) Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury (1 ). This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Pregabalin?
- Pregabalin is classified as Gabapentinoids, Unknown Cellular or Molecular Interaction.
- What are the brand names for Pregabalin?
- Pregabalin is marketed under brand names including Bonqat, Lyrica.
- What are the contraindications for Pregabalin?
- Pregabalin labeling lists contraindications including: 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) ] .. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
pregabalin is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.