A 13-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Study Of Pregabalin For Postherpetic Neuralgia

A 13-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Study To Evaluate Efficacy And Safety Of Pregabalin In The Treatment Of Postherpetic Neuralgia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of pregabalin in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia in a dose-ranging manner.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain is higher than 40 mm.
• Pain is sustained for more than 3 months after healing of herpes zoster skin rash.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Malignancy within the past 2 years.
• Patients who have undergone neurolytic or neurosurgical therapy for postherpetic neuralgia.
• Creatinine clearance </= 30 mL/min (estimated from serum creatinine, body weight, age, and sex using the Cockcroft and Gault equation, by omitting any decimal fractions).
• Patients having other severe pain which may impair the self assessment of the pain due to postherpetic neuralgia.
• Skin conditions in the affected dermatome that could alter sensation.