Vigabatrin belongs to a class of medication called GABA transaminase inhibitors. It can increase the level of a certain neurotransmitter in the brain to treat refractory complex partial seizures.
Vigabatrin can also be used to treat infantile spasms in its oral powder formulation, but is unavailable in Hong Kong by now.
Vigabatrin can be taken orally as tablets. Listed below are the indication and the dosages, which patients with poor renal function may need a lower dose.
Refractory complex partial seizures:
Patients 17 years of age and older:
Initial: 500 mg twice daily, and increased by 250 mg/dose at weekly intervals based on response and tolerability.
Maintenance: 1500 mg twice daily.
Pediatrics patients 10 – 16 years weighing >25 – 60kg:
Initial: 250 mg twice daily, and increased at weekly intervals based on response and tolerability.
Maintenance: 1000 mg twice daily.
Pediatrics patients 10 – 16 years weighing >20 – 25kg:
Initial: 250 mg twice daily, and increased at weekly intervals based on response and tolerability.
Maintenance: 750 mg twice daily.
Pediatrics patients 10 – 16 years weighing >15 – 20kg:
Initial: 225 mg twice daily, and increased at weekly intervals based on response and tolerability.
Maintenance: 650 mg twice daily.
Pediatrics patients 10 – 16 years weighing >10 – 15kg:
Initial: 175 mg twice daily, and increased at weekly intervals based on response and tolerability.
Maintenance: 525 mg twice daily.
The common side effects of Vigabatrin include blurred vision, somnolence, dizziness, abnormal coordination, tremor, and fatigue.
Common dosing schedule:
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Vigabatrin may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Vigabatrin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Vigabatrin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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