Conference Proceeding Open Access

Pregabalin Medication Use Evaluation in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Riyadh

Abstract

Background

Pregabalin is a modulator of voltage-gated calcium channels, designed to affect neurological transmission in multiple systems. Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant indicated for neuropathic pain, an adjunct therapy for partial onset seizures, post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia. After more than a decade, experience and studies have shown that the adverse effects profile of pregabalin were well tolerated from the benign central nervous system and systemic adverse effects, to the very limited metabolic, idiosyncratic and teratogenic adverse effects.

Objectives

This retrospective study will attempt to describe the indications and assess the use of Pregabalin in adult outpatient services in a tertiary care hospital to prevent inappropriate use or abuse. Design and methods A retrospective Medication use evaluation (MUE) through searching of hospital data base system for the use of Pregabalin between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2015 in tertiary care hospital. The main outcome measures include the indication and dosing.

Results

A total of 407 patients were included. The majority of patients were receiving pregabalin for painful diabetic neuropathy 90 patients (22.1%), then for low back pain 70 patients (17.2%), neuropathic pain 25 patients (6.1%), carpal tunnel syndrome 23 patients (5.7%), degenerative disc disease 22 patients (5.4%) and there is evidence for other indications. The doses of pregabalin prescribed were (75 mg QD) 230 patients (56.5%), (75 mg BD) 71 patients (17.4%), (150 mg QD) 62 patients (15.2%) and (150 mg BD) 31 patients (7.1%). Among the 407 patients, no adverse effects have been documented. Chronic illness was the cause of death in 3 patients.

Conclusion

Pregabalin uses do not comply with what is approved by the FDA. This study highlights the need for developing prospective standards and target interventions for the other indications.

Maha E Aljuhanei, and Mohammed Alwaily

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