-5%
Gabarol CR film-coated tablet is used to treat:
Nerve pain due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Pain following shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
As an add-on therapy for partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month and older
Fibromyalgia
Nerve pain linked to spinal cord injury
Gabarol CR controlled-release tablet is specifically indicated for:
Diabetic nerve pain
Postherpetic neuralgia
Take only as advised by a registered physician.
Pharmacology
Pregabalin is a chemical relative of the neurotransmitter GABA, but it doesn’t bind to GABA receptors. It works by attaching to the alpha2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. Though its full mechanism isn’t completely known, studies suggest this interaction reduces nerve pain and helps control seizures.
Dosage Guidelines
Diabetic Neuropathy (Adults)
Immediate-release: Start with 50 mg three times a day (150 mg/day). Increase to 100 mg three times daily (300 mg/day) within a week if tolerated.
CR tablet: Begin with 165 mg once daily, may increase to 330 mg/day. Max: 330 mg/day.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
IR: Start with 75 mg twice or 50 mg three times daily. May increase up to 300 mg/day in 1 week. If insufficient relief, increase to a maximum of 600 mg/day.
CR tablet: Start at 165 mg once daily. May increase to 330 mg/day, and if needed and well-tolerated, up to 660 mg/day.
Fibromyalgia
Start with 75 mg twice daily. Increase to 150 mg twice daily (300 mg/day). If needed, go up to 225 mg twice daily (450 mg/day).
Neuropathic Pain due to Spinal Cord Injury
Start with 75 mg twice daily. May increase to 150 mg twice daily within a week. If not enough relief, max dose is 600 mg/day (300 mg twice daily).
Switching from IR to CR Tablets
On the day of switch:
Take the morning IR dose as usual
Start CR tablet after the evening meal
| IR Total Daily Dose | CR Daily Dose |
|---|---|
| 75 mg | 82.5 mg |
| 150 mg | 165 mg |
| 225 mg | 247.5 mg |
| 300 mg | 330 mg |
| 450 mg | 495 mg |
| 600 mg | 660 mg |
Administration
Oral use only.
Can be taken with or without food.
CR tablets must be taken after the evening meal and swallowed whole (do not chew or crush).
If a dose is missed, follow a schedule based on your last meal, or wait until the next scheduled dose.
Discontinue gradually over at least 1 week to avoid adverse effects.
Take only as advised by a registered physician.
Drug Interactions
With medications: Unlikely to have major interactions.
With food/others: Not applicable.
Contraindications
Avoid in patients allergic to Pregabalin or its components.
Side Effects
Adults:
Dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth
Swelling, blurred vision, weight gain
Trouble concentrating
Children (seizure treatment):
Increased appetite and weight
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Not enough data on safety during pregnancy—potential fetal risk exists.
Detected in breast milk; breastfeeding is not advised due to possible tumor risk.
Precautions
Discontinue if angioedema (swelling of face/throat) or severe allergic reactions occur.
May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Risk of respiratory depression when used with CNS depressants or in patients with breathing issues.
May cause drowsiness—caution when driving or operating machinery.
Should be tapered gradually over at least a week to avoid withdrawal or seizures.
May cause peripheral edema, especially with certain diabetes medications (e.g., thiazolidinediones).
Special Populations
Children/Adolescents: Not approved for most conditions. Safe use only established for seizures in those 1 month and older.
Gabarol CR: Not studied in children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, agitation, anxiety, seizures, or heart rhythm issues.
No specific antidote available. Treatment is supportive—emesis or gastric lavage may help if overdose is recent.
Therapeutic Class
Adjunct and primary anti-epileptic medication
Storage
Keep below 30°C, away from light and moisture.
Store out of children’s reach.