Gabapentinoids Increase Exacerbation in COPD from CHEST

In early February 2024, CHEST published an article that sheds light on a crucial aspect of COPD management. Article author Heidi Splete discusses a study that delves into the impact of gabapentinoids on exacerbation risk among patients with COPD. With COPD being a prevalent and challenging respiratory condition, any findings that contribute to our understanding of its management are invaluable.

Key Takeaways from the article: 

The study population included 356 epilepsy patients, 9411 neuropathic pain patients, and 3737 patients with other chronic pain.

Use of gabapentinoids was significantly associated with an overall increased risk for severe COPD exacerbation (hazard ratio, 1.49) compared with nonuse.

Gabapentinoid use was associated with a significantly increased COPD exacerbation risk for each group of users compared with nonusers, with hazard ratios of 1.58, 1.35, and 1.49 for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and other chronic pain, respectively.

Find methodology, uses in practice, sources, limitations, and disclosures in the full article HERE. 

See the original source article, ‘Gabapentinoids and Risk for Severe Exacerbation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease’ from ACP Journals HERE. 

By staying informed and engaged with the latest developments in pulmonary medicine, we strive to provide the highest quality of care for our patients with COPD. Do you have sources you would like to share with the Association of Pulmonary Advanced Practice Providers (APAPP)? Send us an email at