Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Sabril®

Sabril (vigabatrin) irreversibly inhibits GABA transaminase, the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter GABA, thereby increasing GABA levels in the brain.

Sabril (vigabatrin) irreversibly inhibits GABA transaminase, the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter GABA, thereby increasing GABA levels in the brain. Used for Infantile spasms (West syndrome), Refractory focal seizures as adjunctive therapy.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

By inhibiting GABA transaminase, vigabatrin prevents the degradation of GABA, leading to sustained elevation of this inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. This enhanced GABAergic inhibition reduces neuronal excitability and seizure activity. The mechanism is irreversible, meaning the enzyme inhibition persists until new enzyme is synthesized.

Approved indications

• Infantile spasms (West syndrome)
• Refractory focal seizures as adjunctive therapy

Common side effects

• Visual field defects
• Fatigue
• Somnolence
• Weight gain
• Peripheral edema
• Headache

Key clinical trials

• Acceptability Study of a New Paediatric Form of Vigabatrin in Infants and Children With Infantile Spasms or Pharmacoresistant Partial Epilepsy (NA)
• Sabril Patient Registry
• A Study of the Structure and Function of the Retina in Adult Patients With Refractory Complex Partial Seizures Treated With Vigabatrin (Sabril®) (PHASE4)
• Clinical and Economic Burden of Uncontrolled Epilepsy: Analyses From a Medicaid Database and a Private Health Plan Database
• An Open-Label, Single and Multiple Oral Dose Pharmacokinetic Study of Vigabatrin in Infants With Infantile Spasms (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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