Vigabatrin

By Medicover Hospitals / 11 Mar 2021
Home | Medicine | Vigabatrin

What is Vigabatrin ?

Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic medication. Vigabatrin, in combination with other medications, is used 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.

1. Vigabatrin Uses
2. Vigabatrin Side effects
3. Precautions
4. Overdose
5. Storage
6. Vigabatrin vs Gabapentin
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Citations

Vigabatrin Uses:

Vigabatrin is used to treat infantile spasms in babies aged one month to two years old. Vigabatrin has also been used to treat seizure disorders in conjunction with other medications (epilepsy). Vigabatrin reduces the number of seizures in adults and children who have failed to control their seizures with other medications. Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant medication. It is thought to work by preventing the breakdown of a naturally calming substance in the brain (GABA).

How to use Vigabatrin:

• Before you begin taking vigabatrin 500 Mg Oral Powder, read the Medication Guide and Instructions provided by your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the information.
• As directed on the Instructions for Use sheet, combine the contents of the packet with water. Use the supplied oral syringe to measure the dose. You should not use a regular spoon because you may not get the correct dosage using it. Use the dose immediately after mixing. Do not prepare ahead of time or store for later use. Any unused medication should be discarded immediately.
• Take this medication orally with or without food, usually twice a day, as prescribed by the doctor.
• The dosage is determined by your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. The dosage for children is also determined by their weight. Your doctor may advise you to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. Your dose will be adjusted by your doctor to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
• To get the most out of this medication, take it on a regular basis. Take it at the same time daily.
• Do not take this medication in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not get any better any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may increase. Do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your doctor. When you stop taking the drug abruptly, your condition may worsen. It is possible that your dose would need to be gradually reduced.
• In the case of infantile spasms, notify your doctor if your infant's spasms worsen or do not improve within 2 to 4 weeks. Inform your doctor if your seizures worsen or do not improve within 3 months.

VigabatrinSide Effects:

• Agitation
• Burning
• Tingling, or prickly sensations
• Clumsiness
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Double vision or seeing double
• Increased movement
• Joint pain
• Mental depression
• Sleepiness
• Drowsiness
• Stomach pain
• Trembling
• Tremor
• Trouble sitting still

Precautions:

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to vigabatrin or if you have any other allergies before taking it. Inactive ingredients might be there in this product that may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have- eye problems (such as visual field defect, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or an optic nerve problem), mental or mood problems (such as depression, psychosis), kidney disease, or a low red blood cell count (anemia).
• MRI scans of infants' brains revealed changes after they were given vigabatrin. It is unknown whether these changes are harmful. For more information, speak with your doctor. If your infant is scheduled for an MRI, inform the testing personnel that he or she is taking this medication.
• While taking this medication, older adults may be more susceptible to side effects (such as confusion). Confusion can increase the likelihood of a fall.
• If you are pregnant, notify your doctor. Vigabatrin has the potential to harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you become pregnant because this medication passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor first.

Interactions:

• Drugs that can harm the eyes (retinotopic drugs such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine), and orlistat are some examples of products that may interact with this medication.
• Properly examine the labels of all your medications (such as allergy or cough-and-cold remedies) because they may contain drowsy ingredients. Inquire with your pharmacist about the proper use of these products.
• This product has the potential to interfere with the results of certain lab tests (such as liver function tests), potentially resulting in false test results. Make sure that all of your doctors and laboratory personnel are aware that you are taking this medication.

Overdose:

If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, seek medical advice. Never take more than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.

Missed Dose:

If you forget to take any dose or by mistake miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is already the time for the next dose, skip the forgotten dose. Take your next dose at the regular time schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage:

Store at room temperature Vigabatrin far away from light and moisture. Keep out of the bathroom. Don’t open the packets before preparing the dose. Keep all medications out of the reach of kids.

Vigabatrin vs Gabapentin:

Vigabatrin	Gabapentin
Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic medication.	Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic medication. It has an effect on the chemicals and nerves in the body that cause seizures and some types of pain.
Vigabatrin, in combination with other medications, is used to treat complex partial seizures in adults and children over the age of ten.	Gabapentin is used in conjunction with other medications to treat partial seizures in adults and children over the age of three.
Vigabatrin powder for oral solution is used to treat infantile spasms in infants and children aged one month to two years.	Gabapentin is also used to treat neuropathic pain (nerve pain) in adults caused by the herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).