What is Sabril: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Sabril overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Vigadrone, Sabril

Generic Names:

  • Vigabatrin

Uses:

  • Treats seizures and infantile spasms. This is an anticonvulsant.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anticonvulsant

Forms:

  • Liquid, Powder, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Sabril used for?

Sabril is a gamma-aminobutyric acid analog medication that prevents the breakdown of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming substance found in the brain to treat epilepsy. Sabril, when combined with other medication can be used to treat adults and children 10 years and older with complex partial seizures. This anti-epileptic medication can be used in children and babies 1 month to 2 years old to treat infantile spasms. Sabril has serious side effects and should be only be used by patients who are unable to control their seizures with other medication.

What form(s) does Sabril come in

  • Liquid

  • Powder

  • Tablet

What are common Sabril doses?

  • Box 50 Packet

Common Sabril prescriptions

  • Sabril
    50 packet box

  • Sabril
    500mg tablet

How to take Sabril

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Powder: Open the packet and empty the powder into a clean cup.Mix the powder with cold or room temperature water. Use an oral syringe to measure the right amount of water. You will need 10 milliliters (mL) of water for each packet.Do not use the mixed medicine if you see particles in it. The mixed medicine should be clear and colorless.Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Throw away any unused liquid after the dose is given.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Powder: Open the packet and empty the powder into a clean cup.Mix the powder with cold or room temperature water. Use an oral syringe to measure the right amount of water. You will need 10 milliliters (mL) of water for each packet.Do not use the mixed medicine if you see particles in it. The mixed medicine should be clear and colorless.Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Throw away any unused liquid after the dose is given.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sabril

Sabril contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to vigabatrin or if you are pregnant.

Sabril warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, anemia, eye or vision problems, or a history of depression or mental illness.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Permanent vision lossIncreased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviorAnemiaPeripheral neuropathy (nerve problem)

  • This medicine may make you sleepy or tired. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. It is very important that your eye doctor check your eyes during and after treatment with this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Sabril interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how vigabatrin works. Tell your doctor if you are using clonazepam or phenytoin.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Permanent vision lossHigher risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviorAnemiaPeripheral neuropathy (nerve problem)

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. It is very important that your eye doctor check your eyes within 4 weeks of the day you start treatment and then about every 3 months.

  • This medicine may make you sleepy or tired. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Sabril side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

  • Hearing problems, ear pain

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Muscle twitching, problems with balance or walking

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blurred vision, changes in vision

  • Feeling confused, depressed, anxious, or irritable

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Unusual moods or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness

  • Joint, muscle, or back pain

  • Weight gain

  • Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

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