Once-Daily Gastroretentive Gabapentin for Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia

Abstract

SUMMARY The immediate-release formulation of gabapentin (gabapentin three-times daily) is approved for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Although it has a low propensity for drug–drug interactions, it requires multiple daily dosing and is associated with a high frequency of dizziness and somnolence. A once-daily formulation of gabapentin was recently approved for the treatment of PHN. This formulation employs a gastroretentive technology to provide a prolonged release of gabapentin. Clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of once-daily, gastroretentive gabapentin in the treatment of PHN. In addition, these studies have suggested that the rate of dizziness and somnolence may be reduced compared with similar studies using gabapentin three-times daily. This article reviews key aspects of the pharmacology, efficacy and safety of once-daily gabapentin in the treatment of PHN.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

G Irving has received honoraria for advisory board participation from Depomed. The author has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Medical writing support was provided by E Parr (Envision Scientific Solutions, CT, USA) funded by Abbott, and by S Kareht (Depomed, Inc.).

Additional information

Funding

G Irving has received honoraria for advisory board participation from Depomed. The author has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.