GVG
GVG - General Information
An analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid. It is an irreversible inhibitor of 4-aminobutyrate transaminase, the enzyme responsible for the catabolism of gamma-aminobutyric acid. (From Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 31st ed)
Pharmacology of GVG
GVG, is an anticonvulsant chemically unrelated to other anticonvulsants. GVG inhibits the catabolism of GABA. It is an analog of GABA, but it is not a receptor agonist.
GVG for patients
This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance. Avoid stopping this medicine suddenly. The dose of this medicine should be gradually decreased over a period of two to four weeks. After months to years of taking this medication, damage to vision may occur. Regular eye examinations should be conducted and notify your doctor if any change in vision occurs.
GVG Interactions
A study published in 2002 found that vigabatrin causes a statistically significant increase in plasma clearance of carbamazepine. In 1984, Drs Rimmer and Richens at the University of Wales reported that administering vigabatrin with phenytoin lowered the serum phenytoin concentration in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. The concentration of phenytoin falls to 23% within five weeks, according to an experiment published in 1989 by the same two scientists that tried and failed to elucidate the mechanism behind this interaction.
GVG Contraindications
In pregnancy and lactation and in patients with a known hypersensitivity to vigabatrin or to any components of the product.
Additional information about GVG
GVG Indication: For use as an adjunctive treatment (with other drugs) in treatment resistant epilepsy, complex partial seizures, secondary generalized seizures, and for monotherapy use in infantile spasms in West syndrome.
Mechanism Of Action: It is believed that vigabatrin increases brain concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, by irreversibly inhibiting enzymes that catabolize GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase GABA-T) or block the reuptake of GABA into glia and nerve endings. GVG may also work by suppressing repetitive neuronal firing through inhibition of voltage-sensitive sodium channels.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Vigabatrin
Synonyms: Not Available
Drug Category: Anticonvulsants; Enzyme Inhibitors
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Vigabatrin: 4-Amino-5-hexenoic acid; 4-Aminohexenoic acid; GVG; Sabril (TN); Vigabatrin [USAN-BAN-INN]; Vigabatrina [Spanish]; Vigabatrine; Vigabatrine [French]; Vigabatrinum [Latin]; gamma-Vinyl GABA;
Absorption: Rapidly absorbed following oral administration. Food may slightly decrease the rate, but not the extent, of absorption.
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: Little to none
Biotransformation: Almost no metabolic transformation. Does not induce the hepatic cytochrome P450 system.
Half Life: 5-8 hours in young adults, 12-13 hours in elderly.
Dosage Forms of GVG: Tablet Oral
Powder Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: 4-aminohex-5-enoic acid
Chemical Formula: C6H11NO2
Vigabatrin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigabatrin
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals