Pregabalin

Inquiry

Cat Number

API417716928

CAS Number

148553-50-8

If you have any other questions, please contact our experts.

Product Detail Description Scientific Support Advanced Innovations Customer Q&A

CAS Number

148553-50-8

EINECS

604-639-1

Storage

Store at room temperature

Synonyms

(S)-3-(Aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid 3-isobutyl GABA; (3S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid CI-1008; Pregabaline

Molecular Formula

C8H17NO2

Molecular Weight

159.23

Smiles

CC(C)C[C@@H](CC(=O)O)CN

Appearance

White to off-white crystalline powder

Melting Point

194-196℃

Boiling Point

274.0±23.0℃

Relative Density

0.997±0.06

General Description

Pregabalin is a synthetic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue that does not directly interact with GABA receptors but rather binds to the alpha2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. It is available in oral capsules and solution, with a pharmacokinetic profile characterized by linear absorption and high oral bioavailability. This agent was developed as a successor to gabapentin with improved potency and predictable dosing.

Mechanism of Action

Pregabalin binds potently and selectively to the alpha2-delta auxiliary subunit of presynaptic voltage-dependent calcium channels, reducing calcium influx and subsequent release of excitatory neurotransmitters including glutamate, norepinephrine, and substance P. This modulation dampens neuronal hyperexcitability in the central nervous system, providing analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic effects without direct GABAergic activity. The binding affinity correlates directly with clinical efficacy.

Application

It is FDA-approved for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and spinal cord injury, as well as for fibromyalgia and as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures. It is also indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in many countries. Unlike gabapentin, pregabalin does not require dose titration and exhibits more predictable absorption, though dose adjustment is mandatory for renal impairment.

A Cochrane systematic review identified only one randomized controlled trial (64 participants) evaluating pregabalin for chronic pancreatic pain. Short‑term treatment (three weeks) reduced opiate use by a mean of 26 mg and lowered pain scores by 12 percentage points compared with placebo (moderate‑quality evidence). However, pregabalin significantly increased adverse events (RR 1.71). No clear differences were seen for health‑related quality of life, serious adverse events, or hospital admissions. Medium‑ and long‑term outcomes were unavailable. The authors conclude that low‑ to moderate‑quality evidence supports short‑term reductions in opiate use and pain scores, but the clinical significance is uncertain, and future trials must assess longer‑term effects and socioeconomic outcomes.

Fig. 1 Study flow diagram. (Gurusamy KS, et al., 2016)

References

Gurusamy KS, et al. Pregabalin for decreasing pancreatic pain in chronic pancreatitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016; 2(2):CD011522.

In a randomized, double‑blind, crossover trial involving 10 patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), pregabalin (50‑300 mg/day) significantly lowered mean pain scores by 1.9 points on a 10‑point visual analog scale compared to baseline, while placebo produced only a 0.1‑point reduction. Itch scores also improved modestly with pregabalin (‑0.9 points) versus no change with placebo. The drug was generally well tolerated. Although the study was small, it provides preliminary evidence that pregabalin effectively manages neuropathic pain and itch in RDEB, supporting larger confirmatory trials.

Fig. 2 Pain and Itch Scores According to Intervention Group and Treatment. (Calvo M, et al., 2024)

References

Calvo M, et al. Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain and Itch in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Randomized Crossover Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2024; 160(12):1314-1319.

Does Pregabalin require protection from moisture during long-term storage?

It is slightly hygroscopic. While not highly moisture-sensitive, storage in tightly sealed containers with desiccant is recommended to prevent caking and maintain flowability.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Pregabalin?

Store at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Refrigeration is not required, but avoid temperatures above 30°C to prevent potential racemization or impurity formation.

Is Pregabalin stable in aqueous solution for oral liquid formulations?

Yes, it has good aqueous stability. We provide compatibility data for various buffers and preservatives, with optimal stability at pH 6-8.

How is the enantiomeric purity of Pregabalin maintained during storage?

We use chiral HPLC to monitor the (R)-enantiomer, confirming that no racemization occurs under recommended storage conditions throughout the product's shelf life.