Concurrent utilization of pregabalin and Zhengqing fengtongning sustained-release tablets in managing postherpetic neuralgia and its effect on pain relief, VAS scores, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), SF-36, serum interleukin-17 (IL-17), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of combining pregabalin with Zhengqing fengtongning sustained-release tablets (ZQFTN) in the management of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was carried out on 126 individuals diagnosed with PHN. These individuals were further divided into two groups: a control group (62 cases) and an observation group (64 cases). The control group was administered oral pregabalin, while the observation group received ZQFTN alongside pregabalin. Both groups underwent a continuous 4-week treatment, and the effectiveness of pain relief, VAS scores, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), SF-36, serum interleukin-17 (IL-17), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed. RESULTS: With a total effective rate of 93.75%, the observation group remarkably outperformed the control group, which achieved a rate of 82.26% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the observation group demonstrated notably quicker pain relief and a shorter duration of pain relief in comparison to the control group. Subsequent to the treatment, the observation group displayed a remarkable improvement in pain intensity, as reflected by VAS scores, ISI, and SF-36 scores, surpassing the improvements observed in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of IL-17, CRP, and PGE2 in the observation group substantially declined and were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The concurrent use of pregabalin and ZQFTN in managing PHN showed notable efficacy and safety. This treatment regimen can improve pain symptoms, enhance quality of life, and reduce inflammation levels.