Objectives As commercially available pregabalin preparations are limited to oral administration, it is impossible to use it as an adjuvant analgesic for neuropathic cancer‐related pain in terminally ill cancer patients with oral feeding difficulties. The objective of this study was to develop a pregabalin suppository to be available at hospitals. Methods Pregabalin suppositories were prepared using bases comprising six different compositions of Witepsol H‐15, Witepsol S‐55, and Witepsol E‐75. The suppository release test and stability test were performed in vitro. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the suppositories were assessed in rats. Key findings In the in vitro releasing test, the pregabalin suppositories with H‐15, H‐15 : S‐55 = 1 : 1, H‐15 : S‐55 = 2 : 1, H‐15 : S‐55 = 1 : 2 released approximately 100% of the pregabalin within 180 min. Among these pregabalin suppositories, only the suppository with H‐15 : S‐55 = 2 : 1 demonstrated an equivalent AUC0−∞ with the oral administration group. Consistent with the results of the pharmacokinetic study, the pregabalin suppository with H‐15 : S‐55 = 2 : 1 exhibited antinociceptive effects. In addition, the pregabalin suppository with H‐15 : S‐55 = 2 : 1 was stable for 12 weeks when refrigerated with light shielding. Conclusions The pregabalin suppositories prepared in this study may be applicable for pain control for terminally cancer ill patients with oral feeding difficulties.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.