Abstract

A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF GABAPENTIN AND FLUPIRTINE IN NEUROPATHIC PAIN

Jeswin Mariam Zacharia*, Ashly Justin, Minu Mariam Jose, Dr. Mathew George, Dr. Sheetal S. and Dr. Santhosh M. Mathews

ABSTRACT

Pain is one of the most common reason for seeking medical attention. Neuropathic pain is among the most common type of pain. Despite its prevalence neuropathic pain is often unrecognised and inadequately treated. This prospective observational study was conducted in 80 patients and was designed to evaluate the effect of Gabapentin and Flupirtine in neuropathic pain. As there are only few studies in the Indian literature regarding the flupirtine efficacy in neuropathic pain, the present study is undertaken. The effectiveness of the drugs under study was assessed by using Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale. Quality of life was determined by using EuroQol-5Dimension Health Questionnaire and sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Medication adherence of the patients were determined by means of Morisky 8-Item Medication Adherence Scale and the safety of drugs were assessed by means of Naranjo Causality Assessment Scale. Gabapentin group showed reduced Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale pain scores compared to the flupirtine group. 90% of patients receiving gabapentin therapy showed no adverse drug reactions whereas 95% patients receiving flupirtine therapy showed no adverse drug reactions. Both drugs show statistical significance in quality of life with respect to mobility, self care, usual activities, pain and anxiety. On comparing both groups in terms of quality of life, patients under gabapentin therapy showed much more improvement, as gabapentin therapy showed a greater reduction in pain intensity. The study demonstrate that Gabapentin was more statistically significant in effectiveness compared with flupirtine. Both drugs are found to be safe on evaluation of various adverse drug reactions.

Keywords: Flupirtine, Gabapentin, Neuropathic pain.