Comparison of Efficacy between Duloxetine and Pregabalin in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Background: Painful peripheral neuropathy is a common consequence of long-term diabetes mellitus that impairs quality of life. Pregabalin (an anticonvulsant) and Duloxetine (a new SNRI) are frequently recommended for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Methods: This randomized clinical trial on painful diabetic neuropathy patients was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, in collaboration with the Diabetic Association General Hospital (RADAS), Rajshahi, on 110 patients for one year, from July 2022 to June 2023 after obtaining consent from them. The study population was separated into two groups (Groups A and B) based on drug allocation. For 12 weeks, 55 patients in Group-A received Duloxetine 30 mg twice daily (study group), while 55 patients in Group-B received Pregabalin 75 mg twice daily (control group). The VAS score was assessed at baseline and again at the end of four, eight and twelve weeks of drug treatment. Results: The mean age of the patients in Duloxetine group was 50.25±7.42 years and Pregabalin group was 49.53±7.84 years. The effect of two drugs on painful diabetic neuropathy was almost equal and the reduction of VAS score between the two groups was statistically non-significant (p > 0.05). At the full course of treatment, Duloxetine is cost-effective in comparison to Pregabalin. Conclusions: In terms of efficacy, Duloxetine or Pregabalin may be used to treat painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.