Effects of pregabalin, nimodipine, and their combination in the inhibition of status epilepticus and the prevention of death in mice

Abstract

Objectives: The current study aims to evaluate the combined antiepileptic effects of pregabalin (PGB) and nimodipine (NMD) in an acute seizure model of epilepsy in mice. Materials and Methods: This study assessed the combined antiepileptic effects of PGB with NMD on death protection in mice. Pentylenetetrazole was used to induce seizures. Both drugs were used singly and in combination to judge anticonvulsant effects on an acute seizure model of epilepsy in mice. Diazepam (DZ) and valproate (VPT) were used as standard antiepileptic drugs. Results: The death protection in mice by both these drugs was observed in percentage and deliberated as marked change when the outcome of the tested drug was equal to ED50 of PGB and measured highly marked when the result was more than ED50 for PGB. Treatment with pregabalin and nimodipine combination revealed substantial mortality protection at 30+2.5 mg/kg dose and highly marked at doses from 35+5 mg/kg to 55+15 mg/kg, these effects were superior to individual effects of PGB, showing synergism, however lesser then classic drugs valproate and diazepam. Conclusion: NMD showed synergistic anticonvulsant effect with PGB. However, clinical studies are required to establish the effectiveness of this combination in humans.