Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the drug or to discontinue breastfeeding based on your clinical condition
General warnings
Use in Elderly
This medicine should be used with caution in elderly patients due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Other medicines
This medicine may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Gastrointestinal surgery
This medicine should be used with caution in patients who have had recent surgery of the stomach or intestines due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Use of antacids
Coadministration of antacids and this medicine may reduce the absorption of this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative should be done under your doctor's supervision.
Kidney disease and dialysis
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from an impaired kidney function. Close monitoring of kidney function is necessary while taking this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Suicidal tendencies
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of suicidal tendencies. Patients should be closely monitored for any change in mood or behavior. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Driving or operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Drug Withdrawal
Abrupt discontinuation of this medicine may increase the risk of adverse effects, especially if you have been using a high dose for a long duration. A gradual dose reduction is recommended to avoid these reactions. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Edema
Use of this medicine may cause fluid retention in the body. Hence, it should be used with caution in patients suffering from any fluid retention disorders. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Heart block
Use of this medicine may cause heart rhythm abnormalities which could result in blockage and associated complications. It should be used with caution in patients suffering from diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
High creatinine kinase levels
This medicine should be used with caution in patients having a blood clotting disorder or high levels of creatinine kinase levels in the blood due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Use in Children
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Male mediated teratogenicity
Use of this medicine has been associated with a defect in sperm and may cause a defect in the baby. It should be used with caution in males who are planning to father a baby in the near future.
Potential for abuse
Use of this medicine may cause dependence, especially in patients who are chronic alcohol users or in patients who have used other recreational drugs in the past. Report the past use of alcohol or other drugs to the doctor before receiving pregabalin. Replacement with a suitable alternative should be considered in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Rhabdomyolysis
Use of this medicine has been associated with rare cases of muscle breakdown disorders that affect kidneys. You should report any instance of muscle pain, weakness, the presence of dark reddish coloration of urine, etc. to the doctor on priority. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.