Pregabalin Capsules 300 mg

Pregabalin Capsules 300 mg Overview

Pregabalin is a gabapentinoid. As a result, the nerves release fewer pain signals and less of the chemicals that trigger seizures and anxiety. Pregabalin does not work on opioid receptors.

Doctors use pregabalin for several conditions. First, they use it for nerve pain from diabetes (painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy) and for pain after shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Second, they use pregabalin for neuropathic pain, including pain after spinal cord injury. Third, it treats fibromyalgia. In addition, doctors prescribe it as an add-on treatment for partial seizures and for generalized anxiety disorder.

The 300 mg strength is a higher-dose capsule. Therefore, doctors usually reach it only after starting on a lower dose, and only when the patient needs and tolerates it.

Product Specifications

Pregabalin 300 mg Capsules Dosage and How to Use

A physician decides the dose and schedule. The dose depends on the condition, the patient’s response, and kidney function. Always follow the prescription and the pack insert.

• Doctors usually start with a low dose, such as 75 mg twice daily, and raise it gradually over a week or more. The total daily dose commonly ranges from 150 mg to 600 mg, depending on the condition.
• The 300 mg capsule suits patients whose doctor has already set a higher dose. For example, it may serve as a twice-daily dose of 300 mg in conditions where the label allows up to 600 mg a day.
• Swallow the capsule whole with water. You can take it with or without food.
• Take it at the same times each day, and do not skip doses.
• Doctors lower the dose in patients with reduced kidney function, so the doctor needs to know about any kidney problem.
• Never stop it suddenly. Taper the dose over at least 1 week, because stopping abruptly can cause headache, nausea, insomnia, and anxiety.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the next dose is almost due, skip the missed one and never double up.

Side Effects of Pregabalin

Dizziness and sleepiness are the most common side effects. Dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, swelling of the hands and feet, and trouble concentrating can also occur. These effects are often mild and may ease after a few weeks.

However, seek medical help immediately in any of these situations:

• Your face, lips, tongue, or throat swells, or you have trouble breathing.
• You have thoughts of self-harm or notice new or worsening depression.
• You have unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine.
• You have severe drowsiness or slow, shallow breathing.

Precautions & Warnings

• Prescription-only medicine: Use it only under medical supervision. Pregabalin is a controlled medicine in many countries, so supply and import rules apply.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the capsules affect you. Also avoid alcohol, because it increases these effects.
• Breathing problems: Pregabalin can slow breathing, especially in older adults, in people with lung disease, and with opioids or sedatives. For this reason, doctors take extra care with these patients and with anyone who takes other central nervous system depressants.
• Allergic reactions and angioedema: Stop the medicine and seek emergency care if your face, lips, or throat swell. Likewise, take extra care if you take ACE inhibitors, because they can raise the risk of swelling.
• Suicidal thoughts: Antiepileptic medicines, including pregabalin, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Therefore, watch for mood changes, and tell the doctor at once.
• Misuse and dependence: Pregabalin can cause dependence, especially in people with a history of substance misuse. Take only the prescribed dose, and never share the capsules.
• Weight gain and swelling: Pregabalin may cause weight gain and fluid retention. Use caution in patients with heart failure.
• Muscle and blood effects: Rarely, it raises creatine kinase or lowers platelet counts. Report unexplained muscle pain or easy bruising.
• Vision changes: Blurred vision can occur. Report any persistent change in vision.
• Kidney impairment: Doctors must reduce the dose in kidney disease, because pregabalin leaves the body through the kidneys.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use it in pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Also discuss breastfeeding with the doctor.
• Drug interactions: Tell your doctor about all your current medications. In particular, mention opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, and diabetes medicines such as thiazolidinediones.

Overdose Information

An overdose can cause severe sleepiness, confusion, agitation, and restlessness. Seizures and changes in heart rhythm have also been reported. In a suspected overdose, doctors give supportive care and monitor breathing and heart rhythm. Hemodialysis can remove pregabalin from the blood.

If you suspect an overdose, contact a doctor, pharmacist, or local poison control center immediately. Also bring the medicine packaging if you seek medical attention.

Storage Instructions

• Store the capsules below 30°C.
• Protect them from moisture and direct light, and keep them in the original pack.
• Keep them out of reach and sight of children.
• Do not use them after the expiry date on the pack.
• Dispose of unused or expired medicine safely. For example, return it to a pharmacy instead of using household waste or wastewater.

Frequently Asked Questions