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GVG: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

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.
Generic Name
Vigabatrin
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.
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
Chemical IUPAC Name
4-aminohex-5-enoic acid
Chemical Formula
C6H11NO2
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals