A Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin Against Frequent Muscle Cramp in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2018-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
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).