SUMMARY The immediate-release formulation of
gabapentin (
gabapentin three-times daily) is approved for treatment of
postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Although it has a low propensity for
drug-drug interactions, it requires multiple daily dosing and is associated with a high frequency of
dizziness and
somnolence. A once-daily formulation of
gabapentin was recently approved for the treatment of PHN. This formulation employs a gastroretentive technology to provide a prolonged release of
gabapentin. Clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of once-daily, gastroretentive
gabapentin in the treatment of PHN. In addition, these studies have suggested that the rate of
dizziness and
somnolence may be reduced compared with similar studies using
gabapentin three-times daily. This article reviews key aspects of the pharmacology, efficacy and safety of once-daily
gabapentin in the treatment of PHN.