Vigabatrin
Generic medicine reference
Not yet clinically reviewed
This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Overview
Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant used for infantile spasms and certain complex partial seizures . Vigabatrin brand names are Sabril , Vigadrone , Vigpoder , Vigafyde , and some generic products are available. Vigabatrin is thought to work by stabilizing and calming brain electrical activity by increasing the amount of an inhibitory neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) called GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid).
Vigabatrin mechanism of action is blocking an enzyme called GABA-T (GABA-transaminase), which usually breaks down; this results in an increase in GABA levels in the brain, which is thought to improve infantile spasms and some complex seizures.
Vigabatrin FDA approval was first granted in 2009 under the brand name Sabril.
Indications
Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant used for infantile spasms and certain complex partial seizures . Vigabatrin brand names are Sabril , Vigadrone , Vigpoder , Vigafyde , and some generic products are available. Vigabatrin is thought to work by stabilizing and calming brain electrical activity by increasing the amount of an inhibitory neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) called GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid).
Vigabatrin mechanism of action is blocking an enzyme called GABA-T (GABA-transaminase), which usually breaks down; this results in an increase in GABA levels in the brain, which is thought to improve infantile spasms and some complex seizures.
Vigabatrin FDA approval was first granted in 2009 under the brand name Sabril.
Contraindications
Vigabatrin is contraindicated in conditions like Ventricular arrhythmias resistant to other treatment.
Side Effects
Vigabatrin can cause serious side effects, including:
See “Important information” above. Sleepiness and tiredness. See “What should I avoid while taking vigabatrin?” above. Vigabatrin may cause your baby to be sleepy. Sleepy babies may have a harder time suckling and feeding, or may be irritable. Weight gain that happens without swelling.
The following serious side effects happen in adults. It is not known if these side effects also happen in babies who take vigabatrin.
low red blood cell counts (anemia). nerve problems. Symptoms of a nerve problem can include numbness and tingling in your toes or feet. It is not known if nerve problems will go away after you stop taking this medication. swelling.
If you or your child has complex partial seizures, vigabatrin may make certain types of seizures worse. Tell your healthcare provider right away if your (or your child's) seizures get worse.
The most common side effect of vigabatrin in adults include:
blurred vision, sleepiness, dizziness, problems walking or feeling uncoordinated, shaking (tremor), and tiredness.
The most common side effect of vigabatrin in children 3 to 16 years of age is weight gain. Also expect side effects like those seen in adults.
If you are giving vigabatrin to your baby for infantile spasms:
Vigabatrin may make certain types of seizures worse. You should tell your baby’s healthcare provider right away if your baby’s seizures get worse. Tell your baby’s healthcare provider if you see any changes in your baby’s behavior.
The most common side effects of vigabatrin in babies include:
Sleepiness - this medication may cause your baby to be sleepy. Sleepy babies may have a harder time suckling and feeding or may be irritable. Swelling in the bronchial tubes (bronchitis) Ear infection Irritability
Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of this medication.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Vigabatrin should be used with caution during pregnancy. It should be used with caution in elderly and patient with renal (kidney) impairment. Care is required when withdrawing vigabatrin therapy. Caution is warranted in patients with history of psychosis or behavioral problems.
High Risk Groups
Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Adult Dosage
21.429 to 57.143 mg/kg (39 (39.286)) 24 hourly PO — -
Scraped Dose — Vigabatrin comes as tablets or as packets containing powder for mixing with water to make an oral solution. You or your child will receive this medication from a specialty pharmacy. Take vigabatrin exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Vigabatrin is usually taken 2 times each day. Vigabatrin may be taken with or without food. Before starting to take this medication, talk to your healthcare provider about what you or your child should do if a dose is missed. If you or your child are taking this medication for complex partial seizures and the seizures do not improve enough within 3 months, your healthcare provider will stop prescribing it. If your child is taking this medication for infantile spasms and the seizures do not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, your healthcare provider will stop prescribing it. Do not stop taking vigabatrin suddenly. This can cause serious problems. Stopping this medication or any seizure medicine suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus) in people who are being treated for seizures. You should follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to stop taking this medication. Tell your healthcare provider right away about any increase in seizures when treatment with this medication is being stopped. Before your child starts taking this medication, speak to your child’s healthcare provider about what to do if your baby misses a dose, vomits, spits up, or only takes part of the dose. Do not stop taking vigabatrin without talking to your healthcare provider. If vigabatrin improves your (or your child’s) seizures, you and your healthcare provider should talk about whether the benefit of taking it is more important than the risk of vision loss, and decide if you (or your child) will continue to take this medication. If you are giving vigabatrin for oral solution to your child, it can be given at the same time as their meal. Vigabatrin powder should be mixed with water only. See “Instructions for Use” that come with your vigabatrin powder for detailed information about how to mix and give the oral solution to your child the right way.
Child Dosage
20 to 50 mg/kg (35 (35)) 12 hourly Oral — -
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you or your child take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Vigabatrin and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take phenytoin. Your dose of phenytoin may need to be adjusted.
Taking vigabartin with clonazepam, may increase your chances of experiencing clonazepam-associated adverse reactions.
Storage
Tab Store at room temperature.
Available Brands in Pakistan
No active brands are currently recorded for this generic.
1 record is present but flagged "Unverified / Legacy" and excluded.
