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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

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →