Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: VALPROATE SODIUM versus VIGABATRIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: VALPROATE SODIUM versus VIGABATRIN.
VALPROATE SODIUM vs VIGABATRIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Increases GABA levels by inhibiting GABA transaminase and blocking voltage-gated sodium channels; also modulates T-type calcium channels.
Irreversibly inhibits GABA transaminase, increasing brain GABA levels.
10-15 mg/kg/day orally or intravenously in 2-3 divided doses; increase by 5-10 mg/kg/day weekly to therapeutic range of 50-100 mcg/mL. Maximum dose 60 mg/kg/day.
Adults: 500 mg orally twice daily; may increase by 500 mg/day every 7 days up to 1500 mg twice daily. For refractory complex partial seizures, maximum 3000 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is 9–16 hours in adults; may be shorter in children (5–12 hours) and prolonged in hepatic impairment or elderly (up to 18 hours). Neonatal half-life: 10–67 hours. Clinically, twice-daily dosing is typical.
Clinical Note
moderateVigabatrin + Venlafaxine
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Vigabatrin is combined with Venlafaxine."
Clinical Note
moderateVigabatrin + Nefazodone
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Vigabatrin is combined with Nefazodone."
Clinical Note
moderateVigabatrin + Stiripentol
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Vigabatrin is combined with Stiripentol."
Clinical Note
moderateVigabatrin + Clomipramine
5-8 hours in young adults; 12-17 hours in elderly; prolonged with renal impairment.
Primarily renal (90% as glucuronide conjugates, 3-oxo derivative, and other metabolites; <3% unchanged). Biliary/fecal excretion accounts for <10%.
Renal: ~80% unchanged in urine; fecal: <5%.
Category C
Category A/B
Anticonvulsant
Anticonvulsant
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Vigabatrin is combined with Clomipramine."