Pharmacokinetics of Pregabalin

Absorption

Pregabalin is an orally administered drug with a peak plasma level (maximum level of obtained drug) in approximately 1.5 hours when fasting. Seeing as the route is oral, food consumption before taking can lower the rate of absorption. However, the bioavailability of Pregabalin, or extent of drug that reaches the circulatory system, exists at greater than or equal to 90% (Lehne 2013, 242). As a result, taking Pregabalin with or without food has no impact on the total absorption.

Distribution

Involving the distribution of Pregabalin, animal clinical studies have concluded the blood-brain barrier as well as placenta barrier allow the drug to cross. Yet no trials or clinical studies regarding the distribution of Pregabalin have been conducted on human beings. Also discovered was the inability for plasma proteins to bind with Pregabalin (Lehne 2013, 242). 

Metabolism

Metabolism remains negligible in regards to human studies with Pregabalin. However, 98% of the radioactivity present in the urine has been noted as Pregabalin unchanged (Lehne 2013, 242).

Elimination

Pregabalin is eliminated via renal excretion with a half-life of about 6.3 hours (Lehne 2013, 242).