Shathruvedula Ravindra Nath1
AIMS
To evaluate the role of single dose of gabapentin 900 mg in combination with acyclovir therapy in reduction of acute pain and prevention of postherpetic neuralgia in herpes zoster.
METHODS
25 patients were designated as a study group and were given acyclovir therapy 800 mg 5 times daily for 7 days along with single dose of gabapentin 900 mg on the first day of the therapy.
10 patients were kept as a control group and were given acyclovir therapy alone 800 mg 5 times daily for 7 days. Results with reference to reduction of acute pain and development of postherpetic neuralgia were recorded and analysed.
RESULTS
Two patients in study group reported ‘excellent’ relief of pain, 20 patients reported ‘good pain’ relief, 2 patients reported ‘moderate’ pain relief, and 1 patient reported ‘poor’ pain relief. 2 patients developed postherpetic neuralgia. In control group, 1 patient reported ‘good’ pain relief. 5 patients reported ‘moderate’ pain relief. 4 patients reported ‘poor’ relief of pain. 4 patients developed postherpetic neuralgia.
CONCLUSION
Gabapentin 900 mg single dose in combination with acyclovir therapy 800 mg 5 times daily for 7 days plays a significant role in reduction of acute pain and prevention of postherpetic neuralgia in herpes zoster. A larger study in patients with risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia is required in this regard.
