Pregabalin has a linear uptake without transporter saturation at therapeutic dosages, high bioavailability with rapid absorption independent of food intake. There is no binding to plasma proteins, and more than 90% of the drug is renally excreted, mostly without prior metabolization. Pharmacokinetic profile comparison The major pharmacokinetic difference between gabapentin and pregabalin is their absorption from the GI tract. The absolute bioavailability of gabapentin drops from 60-33% as the dosage increases from 900-3600 mg/day (1), while pregabalin remains ≥90% irrespective of dosage. Pregabalin bioavailability is ≥90% irrespective of clinical dose, whereas gabapentin’s bioavailability decreases from 60% to 33% as dose increases from 900 to 3600 mg/day. Both can be given without regard to food intake since the amount absorbed is unaffected by food. Studies by Brockbader, Wesche, and others have found there are differences in the pharmacokinetics (the journey of the drug through your body) pharmacodynamics (how the drug works on your body) of pregabalin (Lyrica) vs gabapentin (Neurontin). Pregabalin is absorbed more quickly and starts working faster than gabapentin. Like gabapentin (GBP), its pharmacological effects are believed to result from its action as a ligand at the alpha-2-delta binding site, which is associated with voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system (CNS) . Pregabalin exhibits potent anticonvulsant, analgesic, and anxiolytic activity in various animal models . These Download scientific diagram | Pregabalin: pharmacokinetics and metabolism with comparison to gabapentin. from publication: Pregabalin: Latest safety evidence and clinical implications for the Pregabalin and gabapentin both show dose-response relationships in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and partial seizures. For neuropathic pain, a pregabalin dosage of 450 mg/day appears to reduce pain comparably to the predicted maximum effect of gabapentin. Based on studies of gabapentin and pregabalin in epilepsy, the EC50 values of pregabalin and gabapentin were estimated to be about 9.77 mg/mL and 23.9 mg/mL, respectively. 9 From these data, pregabalin was estimated to be about 2.4 times more potent. For neuropathic pain, pregabalin’s potency ratio may be even greater. Although both gabapentinoids are absorbed in the small intestine, pregabalin is also absorbed in the proximal colon. Absorption of gabapentin is solely dependent on LAT that are easily saturable, resulting in dose-dependent pharmacokinetics. Gabapentin and pregabalin are similar drugs but differ in several distinct ways. The main differences are their indications—specific uses that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved them to treat—and their dosages. Several case reports note analgesia when gabapentin was used for treatment of chronic pain. 14,15 And in a clinical study on postoperative pain in dogs undergoing mastectomy, although pain scores did not differ, dogs receiving NSAIDs plus gabapentin required fewer opioid rescue doses than dogs receiving NSAIDs alone; thus, the gabapentin did Although both gabapentinoids are absorbed in the small intestine, pregabalin is also absorbed in the proximal colon. Absorption of gabap-entin is solely dependent on LAT that are easily satura-ble, resulting in dose-dependent pharmacokinetics. Pregabalin and gabapentin both show dose-response relationships in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and partial seizures. For neuropathic pain, a pregabalin dosage of 450 mg/day appears to reduce pain comparably to the predicted maximum effect of gabapentin. When comparing pregabalin versus gabapentin, pregabalin is absorbed more quickly and more fully by the body. Pregabalin is a controlled substance in every state, while gabapentin is controlled only in some states. The gabapentinoids are often recommended as first-line treatments for the management of neuropathic pain. The differing pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles can have implications for clinic Gabapentin and pregabalin are structurally related compounds with recognized efficacy in the treatment of both epilepsy and neuropathic pain. The pharmacological mechanisms by which these agents exert their clinical effects have, until recently, remained unclear. The interaction of gabapentin and pr Metabolism and excretion. There is little evidence to guide conversion between gabapentin and pregabalin. The . manufacturers recommend that the drugs are tapered over a minimum of one week. Pregabalin and gabapentin both show dose-response relationships in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and partial seizures. For neuropathic pain, a pregabalin dosage of 450 mg/day appears to reduce pain comparably to the predicted maximum effect of gabapentin. These studies suggest that pregabalin and gabapentin are effective in reducing postoperative and neuropathic pain, but pregabalin may be more addictive and have pharmacokinetic advantages, while both drugs have risks of misuse, adverse effects, and limited evidence for chronic pain management in children. Although pregabalin undergoes negligible metabolism before renal excretion in humans, gabapentin in dogs undergoes significant (32-40%) metabolism to N-methylgabapentin, with no induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes (22, 23). A concurrent intravenous study of pregabalin would be necessary to determine the true bioavailability of the drug in
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