Efficacy and safety of gabapentin in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review of clinical studies
1 Faculty of Medicine, Karbala University.
2 Faculty of Medicine, Al-Ameed university.
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2025, 09(02), 037-043.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2025.9.2.0041
Publication history:
Received on 28 February 2025; revised on 21 April 2025; accepted on 23 April 2025
Abstract:
Background: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, causing chronic pain and sensory disturbances that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Gabapentin, initially developed as an antiepileptic drug, has gained widespread use in treating neuropathic pain, including DPN. However, concerns remain regarding its efficacy and safety compared to other treatment options.
Objective: This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of gabapentin for DPN by analyzing data from ten previous studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies were included based on specific criteria: (1) patients diagnosed with DPN, (2) gabapentin as a primary treatment, and (3) reported pain reduction and adverse effects. Comparative studies with alternative medications such as pregabalin and duloxetine were also considered.
Results: Gabapentin demonstrated significant pain reduction, with most patients experiencing moderate to substantial improvement. Studies reported a ≥50% reduction in pain in many cases. The drug was well-tolerated, with common side effects including dizziness, somnolence, and mild peripheral edema. Compared to pregabalin and duloxetine, gabapentin provided similar pain relief but with a slower onset of action. It also presented a lower risk of dependency and was found to be a more cost-effective option for long-term management.
Conclusion: Gabapentin is an effective treatment option for DPN, offering substantial pain relief and an acceptable safety profile. While some patients experience mild adverse effects, the overall tolerability supports its long-term use. Given its cost-effectiveness and comparable efficacy to other first-line treatments, gabapentin remains a viable option in neuropathic pain management. Future research should focus on optimizing dosage strategies and identifying patient-specific predictors for better treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
Gabapentin; Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy; Neuropathic Pain; Safety; Efficacy; Systematic Review
Full text article in PDF:
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0