What is Vigabatrin?

Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic medication. It is used in combination with other medications to treat complex partial seizures in adults and children over the age of ten. Vigabatrin powder for oral solution is used to treat infantile spasms in infants and children aged one month to two years.

Vigabatrin Uses

Treats infantile spasms in babies aged one month to two years old.
Used in combination with other medications to treat seizure disorders ( epilepsy) in adults and children.
Reduces the number of seizures in patients who have not responded to other medications.

How Vigabatrin Works

Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant medication.
It is thought to work by preventing the breakdown of a naturally calming substance in the brain (GABA).

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How to Use Vigabatrin

Preparation:

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions provided by your pharmacist.
Combine the contents of the packet with water as directed.
Use the supplied oral syringe to measure the dose. Do not use a regular spoon.
Use the dose immediately after mixing. Do not prepare ahead of time or store for later use. Discard any unused medication immediately.

Administration:

Take orally with or without food, usually twice a day as prescribed.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and weight (for children).
Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to minimize side effects like drowsiness and confusion.
Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly to find the best dose for you.

Consistency:

Take this medication regularly at the same time each day for the best results.
Do not take larger doses or more frequently than prescribed.
Do not discontinue the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor to avoid worsening your condition.

Monitoring:

For infantile spasms, inform your doctor if spasms worsen or do not improve within 2 to 4 weeks.
For seizures, inform your doctor if they worsen or do not improve within 3 months.

Side Effects of Vigabatrin

Common side effects include:

Agitation
Burning, tingling, or prickly sensations
Clumsiness
Confusion
Constipation or diarrhea
Dizziness
Double vision
Increased movement
Joint pain
Mental depression
Sleepiness, drowsiness
Stomach pain
Trembling, tremor
Trouble sitting still

Precautions

Allergies: Inform your doctor about any allergies, including to vigabatrin.
Medical History: Discuss any eye problems, mental or mood problems, kidney disease, or low red blood cell count with your doctor.
MRI Scans: Inform testing personnel if your infant is scheduled for an MRI.
Older Adults: May be more susceptible to side effects like confusion.
Pregnancy: Vigabatrin can harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication.
Breastfeeding: Vigabatrin passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before use.

Interactions

Potential Interactions: Drugs that can harm the eyes (e.g., chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine) and orlistat.
Medication Labels: Check labels for drowsy ingredients and consult your pharmacist.
Lab Tests: Inform doctors and lab personnel that you are taking this medication as it can affect test results.

Overdose

Symptoms: If someone has overdosed and shows serious symptoms like passing out or trouble breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Prevention: Never take more than prescribed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of reach of children.

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Vigabatrin vs Gabapentin

Vigabatrin	Gabapentin
Anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic medication.	Anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic medication affecting chemicals and nerves causing seizures and pain.
Used in combination with other medications to treat complex partial seizures in adults and children over ten.	Used with other medications to treat partial seizures in adults and children over three.
Powder for oral solution used to treat infantile spasms in infants aged one month to two years.	Also treats neuropathic pain in adults caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).

Citations

Effect of prolonged vigabatrin treatment on hematological and biochemical parameters in plasma, liver and kidney of Swiss albino mice, ID:10.3797/scipharm.aut-02-16

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is vigabatrin used for?

Vigabatrin powder is used to treat infantile spasms (a type of seizure that can occur in babies and children) in children aged 1 month to 2 years. Vigabatrin belongs to the anticonvulsant medication class and reduces the brain’s electrical activity.

2. How long does it take for vigabatrin to work?

Peak blood levels are reached in 1-2.5 hours after taking Sabril tablets, and the effects are likely to last several days. Sabril is typically taken twice a day to reduce the side effects of a large single dose.

3. Can Vigabatrin affect vision?

Yes, it is essential to have your vision checked while taking Vigabatrin because it can cause vision loss. Your doctor may have your vision checked at the start of treatment, 4 weeks later, then every 3 months during treatment, and 3-6 months after stopping treatment.

4. Does Vigabatrin have psychiatric side effects? If yes, what are they?

Vigabatrin may cause psychiatric side effects. It is important to consult your doctor for advice on how long to take Vigabatrin and not to discontinue it on your own, as this may cause seizures to worsen.

5. Can Vigabatrin have any effect on memory or concentration?

Yes, Vigabatrin has been shown to impair memory and concentration in some people. Other factors such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and frequent seizures may also contribute to memory problems.

6. What are signs of infantile spasms?

Signs of infantile spasms may include raising arms above the head, stiffening legs, bending at the waist, bobbing or dropping the head, and rolling eyes back with subtle head nods.

7. Does vigabatrin cause depression?

Yes, vigabatrin may cause depression in some cases, but this is very rare.

8. Is vigabatrin safe for infants?

Sabril (vigabatrin) should not be used as the first line of treatment for complex partial seizures (CPS). It is prescribed for infantile spasms (IS) in babies aged 1 month to 2 years old if the potential benefits outweigh the risk of vision loss.

9. What are common side effects of Vigabatrin?

Common side effects of Vigabatrin include agitation, burning, tingling or prickly sensations, clumsiness, and confusion.

10. How does Vigabatrin work?

Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug that works by increasing the activity of a chemical messenger (GABA), which suppresses abnormal and excessive nerve cell activity in the brain.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.