Q: I have a patient who has developed post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) following a severe zoster outbreak that affected the eye. How should I manage this patients pain? A: The answer depends on whom you ask. H.S. Ghazi-Birry, O.D., M.D., Ph.D., of the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn., says to start with 300mg of the anti-epileptic Neurontin (gabapentin, Pfizer) once a day on day Current guidelines recommend a starting dose of gabapentin of 100 to 300 mg. However recent evidence has shown no increase in adverse effects (dizziness, somnolence) with an initial dose of 600 mg. Doses can be titrated quickly, increasing by 300 mg every 3 days up to 3600 mg per day in 3 divided doses. SYSTEMIC TREATMENTS The anticonvulsants gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are approved for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. Guidelines for General Practitioners on Treatment of Pain in Post-Herpetic Neuralgia By Dr. Ajit Panickar* MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCA and Dr. Michael Serpell** MB ChB, FCPodS, ECFMG, FRCA, FFPMRCA Abstract Background Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of herpes zoster (HZ). Previous trials have reported that gabapentin can relieve chronic neuropathic pain, but its effect on prevention of PHN is unclear. Objective To assess the efficacy of a 5-week course of gabapentin on acute herpetic pain and on the prevention of PHN at 12 weeks in patients with acute HZ In adults with postherpetic neuralgia, gabapentin may be initiated on Day 1 as a single 300 mg dose, on Day 2 as 600 mg/day (300 mg two times a day), and on Day 3 as 900 mg/day (300 mg three times a day). The dose can subsequently be titrated up as needed for pain relief to a dose of 1800 mg/day (600 mg three times a day). In clinical studies, efficacy was demonstrated over a range of doses 2.1 Dosage for Postherpetic Neuralgia In adults with postherpetic neuralgia, NEURONTIN may be initiated on Day 1 as a single 300 mg dose, on Day 2 as 600 mg/day (300 mg two times a day), and on Day 3 as 900 mg/day (300 mg three times a day). The dose can subsequently be titrated up as needed for pain relief to a dose of 1800 mg/day (600 mg three times a day). In clinical studies, efficacy was Post-herpetic neuralgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome resulting from an insult to the peripheral and central nervous systems caused by the varicella zoster virus. Spontaneous pain may result in the persistent sensation of burning, tingling, or aching and may be associated with thermally or mechanic However, the initial dosing strategy has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to establish the initial dosing strategy in the treatment of the gabapentin-naive patients with post-herpetic neuralgia. Methods: This clinical study was an open-label, randomized, time-sequence and controlled trial. Dosage for Postherpetic Neuralgia In adults with postherpetic neuralgia, NEURONTIN may be initiated on Day 1 as a single 300 mg dose, on Day 2 as 600 mg/day (300 mg two times a day), and on Day 3 as 900 mg/day (300 mg three times a day). General Type: Anticonvulsants; GABA analog Dosage Forms: capsule, tablet, oral solution 250mg/5mL Common Trade Names: Neurontin, Gralise Adult Dosing Partial Seizures Adjunctive therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization Initial: 300mg PO q8hr May increase up to 600mg PO q8hr Post herpetic neuralgia Day 1: 300mg PO qDay Day 2: 300mg PO q12hr Day 3: 300mg PO q8hr Medscape - Seizure dosing for Neurontin, Gralise (gabapentin), frequency-based adverse effects, comprehensive interactions, contraindications, pregnancy & lactation schedules, and cost information. Detailed Gabapentin dosage information for adults and children. Includes dosages for Restless Legs Syndrome, Epilepsy and Postherpetic Neuralgia; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments. 2.1 Dosage for Postherpetic Neuralgia - In adults with postherpetic neuralgia, gabapentin capsules may be initiated on Day 1 as a single 300 mg dose, on Day 2 as 600 mg/day (300 mg two times a Clinical efficacy of gabapentin extended-release In an 11-week study performed by Sang et al, 452 patients were randomized in the US (n = 259), Russia (n = 161), and Argentina (n = 32) in order to assess the analgesic efficacy of gabapentin extended-release 1800 mg taken once daily at bedtime in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia. 2.1 Dosage for Postherpetic Neuralgia In adults with postherpetic neuralgia, NEURONTIN may be initiated on Day 1 as a single 300 mg dose, on Day 2 as 600 mg/day (300 mg two times a day), and on Day 3 as 900 mg/day (300 mg three times a day). The dose can subsequently be titrated up as needed for pain relief to a dose of 1800 mg/day (600 mg three times a day). In clinical studies, efficacy was The use of steroids has an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio. In patients who develop postherpetic neuralgia, there is good evidence to support treatment with gabapentin and tricyclic antidepressants. BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common type of neuropathic pain occurring after resolution of herpes zoster rash. Although gabapentin is a widely used treatment, some disagreements exist about its efficacy and safety. Meta-analysis was performed to better evaluate the efficacy and safety of gabapentin for management of PHN. In adults with postherpetic neuralgia, gabapentin capsules may be initiated on Day 1 as a single 300 mg dose, on Day 2 as 600 mg/day (300 mg two times a day), and on Day 3 as 900 mg/day (300 mg three times a day). The dose can subsequently be titrated up as needed for pain relief to a dose of 1,800 mg/day (600 mg three times a day). In clinical studies, efficacy was demonstrated over a range 2.1 Dosage for Postherpetic Neuralgia In adults with postherpetic neuralgia, NEURONTIN may be initiated on Day 1 as a single 300 mg dose, on Day 2 as 600 mg/day (300 mg two times a day), and on Day 3 as 900 mg/day (300 mg three times a day). The dose can subsequently be titrated up as needed for pain relief to a dose of 1800 mg/day (600 mg three times a day). In clinical studies, efficacy was
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