What is Lyrica (pregabalin)?: Uses, dosage, and side effects | HealthInfi

Lyrica is Pfizer’s trade name for a drug called pregabalin. Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) drug.

Lyrica is used to treat a number of symptoms and conditions; it works by slowing impulses across the brain that are involved in seizures. It also affects chemicals involved in pain signals. Here we will explore the most common uses for the drug, as well as the potential side effects. We will also explain dosage, and the potential risk for abuse.

Pregabalin is a white to off-white, crystalline solid with a pKa1 of 4.2 and a pKa2 of 10.6. It is freely soluble in water and both basic and acidic aqueous solutions. The log of the partition coefficient (n-octanol/0.05M phosphate buffer) at pH 7.4 is – 1.35.

Lyrica (pregabalin) Capsules are administered orally and are supplied as imprinted hard-shell capsules containing 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 225, and 300 mg of pregabalin, along with lactose monohydrate, cornstarch, and talc as inactive ingredients. The capsule shells contain gelatin and titanium dioxide.

In addition, the orange capsule shells contain red iron oxide and the white capsule shells contain sodium lauryl sulfate and colloidal silicon dioxide. Colloidal silicon dioxide is a manufacturing aid that may or may not be present  (pregabalin) oral solution, 20 mg/mL, is administered orally and is supplied as a clear, colorless solution contained in a 16 fluid ounce white HDPE bottle with a polyethylene-lined closure. The oral solution contains 20 mg/mL of pregabalin, along with methylparaben, propylparaben, monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, dibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, sucralose, artificial strawberry #11545 and purified water as inactive ingredients.

Lyrica is the brand name for the drug pregabalin, an anticonvulsant that reduces the number of pain signals from damaged nerves.

Doctors prescribe Lyrica to treat a number of conditions, including:

• Pain from neuropathy, or damaged nerves in the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes
• Pain from nerves damaged by shingles, a rash that occurs after infection with the herpes zoster virus
• Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that may cause pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue, and trouble sleeping
• Pain from nerves damaged by spinal cord injury

People with epilepsy may take Lyrica in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2014 found that pregabalin significantly improved treatment outcomes and could be an effective alternative therapy for restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Pfizer developed Lyrica, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 2007.

In 2012, the agency approved generic versions made by Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Watson Laboratories. However, due to a ruling in federal court, these drugs are not yet available in the United States.

In February 2014, a federal Appeals Court upheld a lower court ruling that Pfizer’s patent for Lyrica (pregabalin) remains valid, thus preventing generic competition for the drug through 2018.

Dosage Forms & Strengths

 capsule: Schedule V

• Lyrica
• 25mg
• 50mg
• 75mg
• 100mg
• 150mg
• 200mg
• 225mg
• 300mg

oral solution: Schedule V

• Lyrica
• 20mg/mL

tablet, extended-release: Schedule V

• Lyrica CR
• 82.5 mg
• 165 mg
• 330 mg

Adult:

≥18yrs: initially 75mg twice daily, may increase to 150mg twice daily within 1 week as tolerated; max 450mg/day. Renal impairment (CrCl <60mL/min): reduce dose (see literature); hemodialysis: give supplemental dose after session.

Children:

18yrs: not recommended.

Warnings/Precautions:

Avoid abrupt cessation (taper over ≥1 week). Discontinue if angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions, myopathy or markedly elevated creatine kinase levels occur. CHF. Ocular conditions. Diabetes (monitor skin integrity). Suicidal tendencies (monitor). Labor & delivery. Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers: not recommended.Read More