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Cardiovascular Safety of Gabapentinoids

  • Pharmacology Care (J Fanikos, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The objective of this manuscript is to describe the cardiovascular effects of the gabapentinoids gabapentin and pregabalin.

Recent Findings

The most frequent adverse effects of gabapentin and pregabalin affect the central nervous system, such as somnolence and fatigue. Additionally, pregabalin, and a much lesser extent, gabapentin, may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. Pregabalin induces peripheral edema and may cause or exacerbate heart failure. Pregabalin use has been associated with QTc prolongation in patients taking other QTc–prolonging agents, although the relative contributions of pregabalin to QTc prolongation may be minimal. Pregabalin and gabapentin have been associated with a dose-related increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Most evidence for adverse cardiovascular effects of gabapentinoids derives from case reports and observational studies.

Summary

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for pregabalin and possibly gabapentin to contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction.

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  1. Department of Pharmacy Services, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, PB-AB-314, Boston, MA, 02120, USA

    Leo F. Buckley & Emad Alsarraf

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  1. Leo F. Buckley
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Correspondence to Leo F. Buckley.

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Buckley, L.F., Alsarraf, E. Cardiovascular Safety of Gabapentinoids. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 7, 48–52 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-019-00182-5

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