Efficacy of Pregabalin for the Treatment of Acute Herpetic Neuralgia

This study wants to see the role of Pregabalin in acute herpetic neuralgia pain reduction and for the prevention of post herpetic neuralgia incidence as compared to placebo group. For this purpose, all eligible Herpes Zoster patients will be randomized into two groups (41 patients in each group i.e.82 total patients). Group 1 will be the treatment group receiving Pregabalin 75 mg twice daily for 4 weeks in addition to other routine treatment. Whereas, group 2 will be the control group receiving all routine treatment similar to group 1 except Pregabalin. Instead of pregabalin, control group will receive Placebo. The pain will be evaluated in all patients in each follow visits (weekly follow up for 4 weeks then monthly follow up for next three months). If it is difficult for the patient to present physically, telephonic follow up will be done to find the pain score in the required time. Also, DLQI (Dermatological life quality index) will be assessed at the first and last visit of the patient.

At the end, pain score will be compared between the two groups.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients of HZ presenting within 72 hours of onset of rash,
• With pain score 40 or above on 100 mm pain Visual Analogue Scale at the screening visit,
• Giving written consent for the study.
• Age between 18-70 years

Exclusion criteria

• HZ presenting after 72 hours of onset
• Pain score less than 40 at baseline
• Who took the stable doses of oral analgesics like: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, opioids and antidepressant within six hours of screening visit
• Using Pregabalin and Gabapentin within last 72 hours
• Nerve block therapy within the last 48 hours
• History of hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients
• Use of topical medications within 12 hours
• Unable to come for follow up because of severe systemic illness
• Significant hepatic and renal disease,
• Bed ridden patients or those who are physically unfit for follow up visits.
• Ethically considered vulnerable members- pregnant/lactating mothers/newborn/children below 12 years /physically or mentally challenged individuals/HIV/ AIDS/IV drug users