Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Pregabalin capsule or oral liquid may be taken with or without food.

Take the extended-release tablet after an evening meal. Swallow it whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Measure the oral liquid using a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For diabetic nerve pain:
    • For oral dosage forms (capsules and solution):
      • Adults—At first, 50 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage forms (extended-release tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 165 milligrams (mg) once a day for 1 week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 330 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For partial-onset seizures:
    • For oral dosage forms (capsules and solution):
      • Adults and children 17 years of age and older—At first, 150 milligrams (mg) per day given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 600 mg per day.
      • Children 1 month of age and older weighing 30 kilograms (kg) or more—Use is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2.5 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) per day given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg/kg (600 mg) per day.
      • Children 1 month of age and older weighing less than 30 kilograms kg—Use is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 3.5 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) per day given in 3 divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 14 mg/kg per day.
      • Children younger than 1 month of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For fibromyalgia:
    • For oral dosage forms (capsules and solution):
      • Adults—At first, 75 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 450 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For postherpetic neuralgia:
    • For oral dosage forms (capsules and solution):
      • Adults—At first, 75 to 150 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day, or 50 to 100 mg 3 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 600 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage forms (extended-release tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 165 milligrams (mg) once a day for 1 week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 660 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For spinal cord injury nerve pain:
    • For oral dosage forms (capsules and solution):
      • Adults—At first, 75 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 600 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose of the extended-release tablet after your evening meal, take it before bedtime after a snack. If you miss the dose before bedtime, take it after your morning meal. If you do not take the dose the following morning, then take the next dose at your regular time after your evening meal. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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