Clinical efficacy of pregabalin on patients with post-herpetic neuralgia

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of pregabalin on patients with post-herpetic neuralgia. Methods 48 patients with post-herpetic neuralgia were randomized divided into treatment group( n = 27) and control group( n = 21). The treatment group was given with pregabalin at the daily dosage from 150 to 300 mg according to patients' response and tolerability. The control group was treated with indomethacin 25 mg 2- 4 times per day. The visual analogue scale( VAS) for pain severity was measured before and 4 weeks after therapy,and adverse effects were recorded as well. Results The VAS score of both group decreased after 4 weeks treatment with pregabalin or indomethacin,while pregabalin group decreased more significantly than indomethacin group( P = 0. 03). The overall clinical efficacy rate was 68. 0% in pregabalin group and 35. 0% in indomethacin group( P = 0. 02). Severe adverse reactions did not occur in our study,and there was no statistical difference in adverse rate between the two groups( P = 0. 65). Conclusion Pregabalin was effective and safe for treating post-herpetic neuralgia.