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Switching from gabapentin to pregabalin Pauline McQuoid Gabapentin and pregabalin are fully subsidised on prescription in New Zealand. Originally developed as anti-convulsants, they are more widely used for neuropathic pain. How does pregabalin compare to gabapentin in the treatment of neuropathic pain? David F. McAuley, Pharm.D. GlobalRPh Inc. Pregabalin versus gabapentin: Pregabalin, like gabapentin, is an amino acid derivative of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA analogue).1,2 Pregabalin is the pharmacologically active S-enantiomer of 3-aminomethyl-5-methyl-hexanoic acid, and has a similar pharmacological profile Transition from gabapentin to pregabalin was seamless and rapid, with predicted pregabalin-equivalent concentrations highly comparable with plasma pregabalin concentrations within 1 day of pregabalin initiation in the immediate discontinuation model and within 1 day of gabapentin cessation in the gradual discontinuation model. Gabapentin: An Easy Switch! Conversion between Lyrica and gabapentin is generally well tolerated and direct switching minimizes potential for gaps in pain relief. In the absence of seizure history, the drugs can be directly interchanged; patients can be advised to discontinue Lyrica and begin gabapentin the following day. Patients with a seizure history should be cross-tapered over 1 – 4 The first proposed conversion method was similar to the method used in the Toth study, where gabapentin was immediately discontinued and pregabalin was initiated at the next scheduled dose. Transition from gabapentin to pregabalin was seamless and rapid, with predicted pregabalin-equivalent concentrations highly comparable with plasma pregabalin concentrations within 1 day of pregabalin initiation in the immediate discontinuation model and within 1 day of gabapentin cessation in the gradual discontinuation model. There are no validated dose conversions between gabapentin and pregabalin due to differences in pharmacokinetics and varying efficacy seen in studies. However, some authors have proposed dose conversions based on these parameters (see Tables 1 and 2). One switching method suggests daily doses of gabapentin between 901 to 1,500 mg/day should be converted to pregabalin 225 mg/day in two divided An overview of possible dose equivalences, switching methods and considerations to make before switching between gabapentinoids in adults with neuropathic pain. The conversion ratio used in one study was “of the author’s creation”3 and in another study the authors assumed that pregabalin had six times greater pharmacological effect against neuropathic pain than gabapentin based on the maximum dose of each medicine.8 Bock-brader et al5 derived a potency ratio from EC50 data in post-herpetic Actual and modelled bioavailability data6,7 were used to calculate the approximate amount of gabapentin absorbed, then Bock-brader’s potency ratio5 and a correction factor for pregabalin’s bioavailability (90%)1 were applied to develop a conversion algorithm: Guideline for switching pregabalin to gabapentin, including dosage, renal adjustments, titration, and cost. Pregabalin and gabapentin are often considered first-line treatments for various neuropathic pain syndromes, generally irrespective of cause. 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. Finally, a trial by Toth C. utilized a conversion algorithm that roughly equates to a gabapentin-to-pregabalin ratio of 6:1. 3 Response Because BT was taking 1800 mg of Neurontin® daily at the time, I recommended that Lyrica® be started at 150 mg BID. An article from the musculoskeletal medicine section of GPnotebook: Switching between gabapentin and pregabalin for neuropathic pain. Gabapentin to pregabalin conversion: 300 mg gabapentin ≈ 50 mg pregabalin. The dose of gabapentin and dose of pregabalin depend on individual patient characteristics and response to treatment. Conversion of Gabapentin to Pregabalin In a previous post, I discussed the rare situation of patients being on both gabapentin and pregabalin and some possible explanations for this scenario. That prompted someone to ask me how to do a conversion of gabapentin to pregabalin. 150 mg Lyrica (pregabalin) and gabapentin are widely prescribed medications that share similarities in treating nerve-related conditions, but they differ in potency and pharmacodynamics. Patients switching between these medications often need clarity on equivalent dosing to ensure effective symptom management without adverse effects. This article explores the approximate equivalence between Conversion between Lyrica and gabapentin is generally Daily Dose of Daily Dose of Shingrix well tolerated and direct switching minimizes potential for Gabapentin Lyrica Reactogenicity gaps in pain relief. If using the 6:1 ratio of gabapentin to pregabalin dosing, it is important to note that at some dose ranges, this conversion may be too conservative whereas at other doses/situations it may be too aggressive. Direct conversion is the most widely used strategy for conversion between gabapentinoids and has been proven safe This document provides guidance on converting patients from pregabalin to gabapentin, including recommended total daily doses of gabapentin based on pregabalin dose. It also includes information on titrating the gabapentin dose, adjusting the dose based on renal function, standard and rapid titration schedules for gabapentin, maximum doses, and discontinuing gabapentin gradually over a week.
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