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Pregabalin

Prescription
Gabapentinoid (alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligand)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Binds alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release; more potent and predictable pharmacokinetics than gabapentin

At a glance

Class
Gabapentinoid (alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligand)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Neuropathic pain / Adjunctive epilepsy / Anxiety
Dose
2–4 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
150 mg/dose; 300 mg/day
Duration: Long-term; taper on discontinuation
🐈

Cat

Neuropathic pain / Anxiety (transport, vet visits)
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
25 mg/dose; 50 mg/day
Duration: Long-term for pain; single dose pre-visit for anxiety
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 4

Strength
25mg
Available in India
Strength
50mg
Available in India
Strength
75mg
Available in India
Strength
150mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity

Use with caution

  • Renal impairment
    Renally excreted; dose reduction needed
  • Concurrent CNS depressants
    Additive sedation

Adverse effects

Common
Sedation
Ataxia
Weight gain
Serious
Severe sedation
Withdrawal seizures (if stopped abruptly)

Monitoring parameters

Pain scoringSedation levelRenal functionBody weight
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Moderate — 3

Gabapentin
moderate
Both are gabapentinoids acting on voltage-gated calcium channels; additive CNS depression and ataxia
Management: Generally do not use together — choose one. If switching, taper the first before starting the second.
Phenobarbital
moderate
Additive CNS depression when combining anticonvulsants. Phenobarbital enzyme induction does not significantly affect pregabalin (renally eliminated), but sedation is additive.
Management: Expected combination for refractory epilepsy. Start pregabalin at lower dose and titrate. Monitor sedation.
Fentanyl
moderate
Additive CNS depression. Pregabalin augments opioid analgesia but increases sedation and respiratory depression risk.
Management: Reduce opioid dose. Monitor respiratory function. Useful for neuropathic pain.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Lyrica
Pfizer

India

Pregastar
Mankind
Pregaba
Sun Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Pregabalin?
Pregabalin is a gabapentinoid (alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligand) used in pets. Binds alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release; more potent and predictable pharmacokinetics than gabapentin
›What is Pregabalin used for in pets?
Pregabalin is used in veterinary medicine for: Neuropathic pain / Adjunctive epilepsy / Anxiety; Neuropathic pain / Anxiety (transport, vet visits).
›What is the Pregabalin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Pregabalin is typically dosed as follows — Neuropathic pain / Adjunctive epilepsy / Anxiety: 2–4 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Pregabalin dose for cats?
For cats, Pregabalin is typically dosed as follows — Neuropathic pain / Anxiety (transport, vet visits): 1–2 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Pregabalin?
Common: Sedation, Ataxia, Weight gain. Serious (call your vet immediately): Severe sedation, Withdrawal seizures (if stopped abruptly).
›Does Pregabalin need a prescription?
Yes. Pregabalin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Pregabalin not be used?
Do not use Pregabalin if: Known hypersensitivity.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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