Vigabatrin is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of seizures, especially in patients who do not respond to other treatments. It is most often given to infants with infantile spasms and adults or children with complex partial seizures that are hard to control. This drug works in a different way than many other seizure medicines, which makes it useful in difficult cases.
What is Vigabatrin?
Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug. It helps control seizures by affecting a chemical in the brain called GABA. GABA is a natural substance that calms brain activity. People with epilepsy often have low levels of GABA, which can lead to seizures. Vigabatrin increases the level of GABA in the brain, making seizures less likely to happen.
The way it works is known as the vigabatrin moa, which stands for “mechanism of action.” Vigabatrin blocks an enzyme called GABA transaminase. This enzyme breaks down GABA. When it is blocked, GABA levels go up. This effect calms the brain and helps prevent seizures.
Forms of Vigabatrin
Vigabatrin comes in different forms to make it easier for patients to take:
One popular product is powder vigabatrin, which is often mixed with water and taken by mouth. This form is helpful for children or adults who cannot swallow pills.
Another option is vigadrone powder, which contains the same active ingredient and is used in the same way. It is often given to infants with infantile spasms and needs to be prepared carefully to ensure correct dosing.
There is also a liquid version called sabril syrup, which is another way to give the medicine to children. It allows for flexible dosing and is easy to swallow.
All these forms make it easier to use the drug safely and effectively across different age groups.
Who Can Use Vigabatrin?
Doctors prescribe Vigabatrin for:
- Infants with infantile spasms, a rare but serious type of seizure
- Children and adults with complex partial seizures that do not improve with other drugs
- Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, a condition that can cause seizures
It is usually not the first medicine doctors try. It is used when other options have failed or are not working well enough.
How to Take Vigabatrin
The amount of Vigabatrin a person needs depends on their age, weight, and condition. Doctors start with a low vigabatrin dose and increase it slowly. This helps reduce the risk of side effects and gives the body time to adjust.
Infants and young children are usually given the powder vigabatrin or vigadrone powder, which is mixed with water. Older children and adults might use tablets or sabril syrup depending on their needs.
Doctors will tell you exactly how much to take and how often. It is important not to miss doses and not to stop taking the drug without medical advice.
Vigabatrin Stability and Storage
Like all medications, Vigabatrin must be stored properly to stay effective. Vigabatrin stability can be affected by light, heat, and moisture. Powdered forms like vigadrone powder and powder vigabatrin should be stored in a cool, dry place and only mixed right before use.
Mixed solutions, such as those made from sabril syrup, should be used right away or stored as directed by the pharmacist. Never use medicine past its expiration date, and always keep it out of the reach of children.
Side Effects and Warnings
Vigabatrin is effective, but it can cause serious side effects. The most serious is vision loss. This can be permanent and may affect both eyes. Because of this, the drug carries a strong warning from the FDA.
Patients who take Vigabatrin need regular eye exams. These check for changes in peripheral vision, which is often affected first. Eye testing should be done before treatment and every few months during use.
Other side effects include:
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Mood changes such as anger or depression
- Problems walking or keeping balance
Patients must report any side effects to their doctor. If vision problems or other serious symptoms appear, treatment might need to be stopped.
Precautions and Monitoring
Due to the risk of vision problems, patients need close monitoring. This includes:
- Regular eye exams
- Blood tests to check for other effects
- Watching for behavior changes
- Adjusting the vigabatrin dose as needed
Infants and young children may not be able to describe vision problems. Doctors rely on behavior and response to objects to judge any changes in eyesight.
It is also important to avoid stopping Vigabatrin suddenly. This can lead to a sudden return of seizures, which may be dangerous. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when starting or stopping this drug.
Who Should Not Take Vigabatrin
Vigabatrin is not right for everyone. People with existing vision problems should not use it unless absolutely necessary. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid it unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Doctors will carefully check your health history before prescribing Vigabatrin.
Conclusion
Vigabatrin is a powerful medicine for treating certain types of seizures, especially in children and adults who have not improved with other treatments. It works by raising the levels of GABA in the brain, which helps control seizure activity.
There are different forms available, including vigadrone powder, sabril syrup, and powder vigabatrin, which offer flexible dosing options for all age groups. However, due to the risk of serious side effects like vision loss, regular monitoring is very important.
Patients and caregivers must understand the risks and benefits of Vigabatrin before starting treatment. With proper care, monitoring, and guidance from a healthcare provider, this medication can greatly improve the quality of life for people with hard-to-treat epilepsy.
For more information and resources, visit vigabatrin.org.
