Pentanerve Plus

Pregabalin (75mg) + Methylcobalamin (1500mcg) + Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) (20mg) + Folic Acid (5mg)
Price: ₹250 - ₹350 for 10 capsules (approx.)
Mfr: Alkem Laboratories Ltd. | Form: Capsules

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) medication primarily indicated for the management of neuropathic pain, particularly diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), with adjunctive neurotropic B vitamins. Pregabalin is a gabapentinoid that modulates calcium channels, while Methylcobalamin, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid support nerve health, myelin synthesis, and homocysteine metabolism, potentially offering a synergistic effect in neuropathic conditions prevalent in the Indian population.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One capsule/tablet twice daily (Total: Pregabalin 150mg/day, Methylcobalamin 3000mcg/day, Pyridoxine 40mg/day, Folic Acid 10mg/day). May be initiated at a lower dose (e.g., once daily) in elderly or renally impaired patients.

Note: Administer orally with or without food. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew. Can be taken at the same time each day to improve compliance.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to Pregabalin, Methylcobalamin, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, or any excipient
  • Patients with hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption (if formulation contains lactose)

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Pregabalin binds with high affinity to the alpha2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing the influx of calcium and subsequent release of excitatory neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate, substance P). This results in analgesic, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects. Methylcobalamin is essential for myelin synthesis and maintenance of neuronal integrity. Pyridoxine (as Pyridoxal Phosphate) is a cofactor in neurotransmitter synthesis (GABA, serotonin) and nerve function. Folic Acid is crucial for nucleotide synthesis and, along with B12, for homocysteine metabolism; elevated homocysteine is implicated in neuropathy.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Somnolence (drowsiness)
  • Peripheral edema
  • Weight gain
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Pregabalin: Category C (US FDA). Limited human data, potential risk. Use only if benefit outweighs risk. B vitamins are generally safe and recommended in pregnancy, but this high-dose combination is not intended for routine prenatal supplementation. Consult obstetrician.

Driving: May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should not drive until they know how the medication affects them, especially during dose titration.

🔄 Drug Interactions

CNS Depressants (Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Opioids)Potentiated sedation, dizziness, respiratory depressionMajor
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., Ramipril)Increased risk and severity of peripheral edemaModerate
Thiazolidinediones (e.g., Pioglitazone)Increased risk of weight gain and edemaModerate
LevodopaPyridoxine (>5mg) may decrease levodopa efficacy if not given with a decarboxylase inhibitorModerate
Phenytoin, PhenobarbitalMay reduce serum levels of these antiepileptics (minor effect)Minor
Oral ContraceptivesMay slightly decrease Pyridoxine levelsMinor

🔁 Alternatives to Pentanerve Plus

Same composition (Pregabalin (75mg) + Methylcobalamin (1500mcg) + Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) (20mg) + Folic Acid (5mg)), different brands:

Maxgalin MV Nurokind-Gold Nervijen PG Pregabanyl-MV