Pregabalin 300mg (Pregacare)

🧠 Neuropathic Pain

Treats peripheral neuropathic pain (e.g. diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia) and central neuropathic pain (e.g. spinal cord injury). Reduces abnormal nerve firing that causes burning, shooting, or stabbing pain sensations.

😰 Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Reduces excessive, uncontrollable anxiety and associated physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, and sleep disturbance by calming overactive nerve signals in the brain.

⚡ Partial Seizures (Adjunct Therapy)

Used alongside other antiepileptic medicines to help control partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation in adults with epilepsy.

Target

Alpha-2-delta (α2δ) subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the CNS

Mechanism

Reduces calcium influx into over-excited nerve terminals → decreases release of excitatory neurotransmitters (glutamate, noradrenaline, substance P)

Effect

Reduces abnormal nerve hyperexcitability → pain relief, anxiolysis, anticonvulsant action

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed; peak plasma at 1 hour; not protein-bound; renally excreted unchanged

Half-Life

~6 hours — suitable for twice or three times daily dosing

Note: PREGACARE-300 (300 mg capsule) is a maintenance dose — not typically used as a starting dose. Treatment usually begins at 150 mg/day and is titrated up based on response and tolerability. Always follow prescriber instructions.

Neuropathic Pain — Adults

Starting dose

150 mg/day in 2 – 3 divided doses

After 1 week

May increase to 300 mg/day

Max daily dose

600 mg/day

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) — Adults

Starting dose

150 mg/day in 2 – 3 divided doses

Max daily dose

450 mg/day

Partial Seizures (Adjunct) — Adults

Starting dose

150 mg/day in 2 – 3 divided doses

Max daily dose

600 mg/day

Renal Impairment

Dose must be reduced in proportion to creatinine clearance (CrCl). Pregabalin is renally excreted — dose adjustment is mandatory in renal impairment. Refer to SmPC Table 1 for specific dose adjustments.

Hepatic Impairment

No dose adjustment required — pregabalin is not significantly metabolised by the liver.

⛔ Children under 12 / Adolescents 12–17

Not recommended — safety and efficacy not established

💡 Administration Tips

• Swallow capsules whole with a glass of water — can be taken with or without food.
• Some benefit may be felt within a few days; full pain relief may take up to 4 weeks.
• If taking antacids (e.g. containing aluminium/magnesium), wait at least 2 hours before taking pregabalin — antacids can reduce absorption.
• Never stop suddenly — taper dose gradually under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Very Common

Dizziness, drowsiness / somnolence

Common

Headache, fatigue, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, weight gain, peripheral oedema (swollen legs/feet), impaired coordination, memory impairment, euphoric mood, difficulty speaking

Uncommon

Hallucinations, mood changes, confusion, agitation, depression, accidental falls (especially elderly)

Serious

Respiratory depression (especially with opioids or CNS depressants), severe hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis, suicidal ideation, drug dependence and withdrawal on abrupt discontinuation

⚠ Key Safety Warnings

• Dependence & withdrawal: Pregabalin can cause physical dependence. Discuss an exit strategy before starting. Never stop suddenly — taper dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, seizures).
• Respiratory depression: Risk significantly increased when combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants. Potentially fatal — avoid combination unless no alternative exists.
• Dizziness & falls: Particularly in elderly patients — increased risk of accidental falls and injury. Take extra care when standing or moving.
• Driving & machinery: Causes dizziness and drowsiness — do not drive or operate machinery until effect is known.
• Suicidal ideation: As with all antiepileptics, a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts has been reported. Monitor for mood changes and seek help promptly if this occurs.

⛔ Known hypersensitivity to pregabalin or any excipient

⛔ Rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption

Pregnancy

Not recommended — animal studies suggest embryotoxicity; use only if benefit outweighs risk

Breastfeeding

Not recommended — pregabalin passes into breast milk

Key Interactions

Opioids (avoid — respiratory depression risk); Benzodiazepines (additive CNS depression); Alcohol (enhanced sedation); Antacids containing aluminium/magnesium (reduce pregabalin absorption — take 2 hours apart)

Temperature

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place

Light & Moisture

Keep in original packaging; protect from direct light and moisture

Children

Keep out of sight and reach of children at all times

Expiry

Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging

Disposal

Return unused capsules to pharmacy. Do not flush or dispose in household waste.

Brand Name

PREGACARE-300

Manufacturer

Careclub Pharmaceuticals

Active Ingredient

Pregabalin 300 mg per capsule (I.P.)

Drug Class

Gabapentinoid / Alpha-2-delta ligand

Dosage Form

Hard Capsules I.P. (Oral)

Pack Size

10 × 15 = 150 capsules per box

Indication

Neuropathic pain, GAD, partial seizures (adjunct)