About vigabatrin
Antiepileptic; GABA-transaminase inhibitor
Used for
- Treats infantile spasms.
- Treats focal-onset seizures not controlled by other medicines.
Usual adult dose
Focal seizures: usually 1,000–3,000 mg twice daily; dosing is individualized and limited by side effects.
Usual dose in children
Infantile spasms: usually 50 mg/kg daily, increased if needed to 100–150 mg/kg daily. For focal seizures, dosing is weight-based.
Common side effects
- Permanent vision loss or narrowing of the visual field
- Sleepiness, dizziness, and tiredness
- Weight gain
- Mood changes or suicidal thoughts
Important warnings
- Can cause permanent vision damage; eye examinations are required before and during treatment.
- Use only when benefits outweigh risks, as vision damage can progress despite stopping.
- Do not stop suddenly; seizures may worsen.
- Monitor for depression, unusual behavior, or suicidal thoughts.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby; use requires careful assessment of benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether vigabatrin passes into human milk; discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.
Interactions
- Phenytoin levels may decrease.
- May increase sedation with opioids, alcohol, or other sedating medicines.
- Can reduce exposure to some hormonal contraceptives; use additional contraception if advised.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.