title: Extended-release gabapentin in post-herpetic neuralgia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In early 2011, the FDA gave approval to a new preparation of gabapentin, licensed for the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Gabapentin is commonly used worldwide for multiple indications, which include neuropathic pain. The new drug combines generic gabapentin with a polymeric delivery system allowing for extended release and is licensed to be given only as a once-daily dosing regimen.
  
  
  METHODS
  The article aims to review the available evidence relating to the pharmacokinetics, tolerability and efficacy of extended-release gabapentin (GpER). It addresses the current state of the drug's progress through regulation and the intention of its manufacturer for the market.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although GpER has been approved by the FDA for once-daily use in PHN, there is a relative paucity of data for both its efficacy and the optimum dosing schedule (once or twice a day). There are no data directly comparing GpER with the immediate-release preparation or other first-line treatments for PHN. Therefore, the true status of GpER as a treatment option needs to be enhanced with additional experimental evidence for its efficacy and favourable side-effect profile.
authors.affiliation: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH ,  UK.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Farquhar-Smith
mesh_terms: D000588:Amines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D051474:Neuralgia, Postherpetic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000588:Amines; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin