ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/pregabalin
US brand names:Lyrica
Pregabalin is dosed at 2–4 mg/kg PO q8-12h in dogs, per Sanchis-Mora S, Chang YM, Abeyesinghe SM, et al. Pregabalin for the treatment of syringomyelia-associated neuropathic pain in dogs: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-masked clinical trial. Vet J. 2019;250:55-62. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1064, Pregabalin monograph. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Binds alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels with higher affinity than gabapentin. Reduces excitatory neurotransmitter release. More predictable pharmacokinetics than gabapentin.
Controlled substance (CV). Sedation and ataxia at higher doses. More potent than gabapentin — lower doses needed. Taper to discontinue. Monitor for weight gain.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Controlled substance in the US
Controlled-drug status and schedules differ by country — check your local scheduling rules.
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 2–4 mg/kg | q8-12h | Moderate | Sanchis-Mora S, Chang YM, Abeyesinghe SM, et al. Pregabalin for the treatment of syringomyelia-associated neuropathic pain in dogs: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-masked clinical trial. Vet J. 2019;250:55-62. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.06.006 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1064, Pregabalin monograph. |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12h | Weak | BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed, Part A — Canine and Feline, Pregabalin, DOSES, printed p.341: "Cats: 1-2 mg/kg p.o. q12h (limited anecdotal evidence)", under a Use section listing both "Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of epileptic seizures refractory to conventional treatment" and "Treatment of neuropathic pain". Corroborated: Papich MG, Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 4th ed, printed p.674: "Cats • Anticonvulsant dose or neuropathic pain dose: start with 2 mg/kg q12h PO and increase to 4 mg/kg q12h PO." Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed, printed p.1065, CATS, prints the served figure under a seizure heading: "Seizure disorders (extra-label): Anecdotally, 1 - 2 mg/kg PO every 12 hours is most commonly mentioned." |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.