A Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin Against Frequent Muscle Cramp in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Summary
Muscle cramp is defined as a paroxysmal, involuntary, and painful contraction of skeletal muscle. Cirrhotic patients can encounter with muscle cramp frequently, which might be associated with poor quality of life. Gabapentin can be prescribed for muscle cramp. However, patients with liver cirrhosis have limited access to gabapentin which is metabolized primarily in liver. Pregabalin with a similar mechanism of action to gabapentin undergoes negligible metabolism owing to its improved pharmacokinetic properties. Thus, pregabalin might be a promising therapeutic option for patients with liver cirrhosis who are suffering from muscle cramp and susceptible to drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the investigators hypothesize that pregabalin could effectively reduce painful symptoms derived from muscle cramp. In the current study, the investigators are going to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin by comparing outcomes between two groups (treatment group vs. placebo group).
Timeline
- Start
- 2011-07
- Primary completion
- 2018-02
- Completion
- 2018-03
Drugs
| Evaluation | Drug | Modality | Dose | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparator | Pregabalin | Small molecule | 150 mg | — |