Role of Pregabalin in Management of Pruritus: A Literature Review.

Role of Pregabalin in Management of Pruritus: A Literature Review. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2016 Oct - Dec;19(4):465-474 Authors: Foroutan N, Nikvarz N Abstract Pruritus can be one of the distressing symptoms of many dermatologic, systemic, neurologic or psychiatric disorders. In each case, the origin of itch is in the skin and/or the nervous system. Involvement of the nervous system causes neurogenic, psychogenic or neuropathic itch. Itch sensation is transferred to the central nervous system via unmyelinated C-type nerve fibers, and many mediators and receptors engage in the its induction and transmission. Also it has been demonstrated that there are similarities and interactions between neurotransmitters and pathways of pain and itch sensation. Hence, effective drugs in reducing the neuropathic pain such as pregabalin have been studied and used in the management of different itchy conditions.  In this narrative review we considered the available published papers dealing with the antipruritic effects of pregabalin. Results of studies conducted in uremic patients show that pregabalin is an effective option in reducing uremic pruritus especially in those who have not responded to antihistamines and topical moisturizers. Data about the effects of pregabalin on other itchy conditions are very limited; however results of the available studies show beneficial effects of this drug in burn patients with more than 5% involvement of the total bod...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: J Pharm Pharm Sci Source Type: research