Cardiovascular Safety of Gabapentinoids

The objective of this manuscript is to describe the cardiovascular effects of the gabapentinoids gabapentin and pregabalin.Recent FindingsThe most frequent adverse effects of gabapentin and pregabalin affect the central nervous system, such as somnolence and fatigue. Additionally, pregabalin, and a much lesser extent, gabapentin, may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. Pregabalin induces peripheral edema and may cause or exacerbate heart failure. Pregabalin use has been associated with QTc prolongation in patients taking other QTc –prolonging agents, although the relative contributions of pregabalin to QTc prolongation may be minimal. Pregabalin and gabapentin have been associated with a dose-related increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Most evidence for adverse cardiovascular effects of gabapentinoids derives from case r eports and observational studies.SummaryClinicians should be aware of the potential for pregabalin and possibly gabapentin to contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research