VIGANEXT Powder 1's

Introduction About VIGANEXT POWDER

Viganext Powder is an antiepileptic medicine used to manage epilepsy (seizures) and infantile spasms. It is a prescription drug that can be taken alone or with other medicines that works by increasing a natural brain chemical that helps calm nerve activity and reduce seizures. 

Viganext Powder can be taken with or without food, but it is important to take it at the same time every day to keep the medicine level steady in your body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Be sure to complete the full course of management, even if you start feeling better. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may make your condition worse.

Common side effects of this medicine include blurred vision, joint pain, tremors, tiredness, upper respiratory tract infection, aggression, double vision, nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) and altered walking. This medicine may cause vision loss, so it is important to have your eyesight checked before starting management and regularly during use. It can also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so avoid driving or activities that need full attention until you know how it affects you. Some people may gain weight, but this can be managed with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems so they can adjust your dose if needed. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Uses Of VIGANEXT POWDER

• Epilepsy (seizures)
• Infantile spasms

Benefits of VIGANEXT POWDER

1) For Epilepsy (Seizures):
• Helps control various types of seizures, reducing their frequency and severity.
• Can be used alone or with other medicines to manage difficult-to-control epilepsy.

2) For Infantile Spasms:
• Controls infantile spasms, a specific type of seizure in babies.
• Supports better development by reducing seizure episodes early in life.

3) General Benefits:
• Works by increasing calming chemicals in the brain to reduce seizures.
• Improves quality of life by helping to manage and reduce seizure symptoms.

How VIGANEXT POWDER Works

Viganext Powder contains Vigabatrin, which works by increasing the level of a calming chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA helps to reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. By boosting GABA levels, Vigabatrin helps control various types of epilepsy and infantile spasms, reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.

Increase in GABA Levels:
Vigabatrin blocks the enzyme responsible for breaking down GABA, leading to higher amounts of this inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Reduction of Seizure Activity:
The increased GABA calms overactive nerve cells, preventing the spread of seizure signals.

Targeted Brain Action:
Vigabatrin acts directly in the central nervous system to regulate nerve activity without affecting other body systems significantly.

How to use VIGANEXT POWDER

Follow your doctors instructions regarding the exact dosage. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.

How to use VIGANEXT Powder?

Take VIGANEXT Powder exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually mixed with water, juice, or soft food before taking. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Recommended dosage of VIGANEXT Powder for adults and children:

Dosage varies widely, so always follow your doctor’s prescription. Children often require different doses than adults, and your doctor will guide you.

How to prepare VIGANEXT Powder for administration?

Measure the prescribed amount of powder, then mix it thoroughly with a small amount of water, juice, or soft food like applesauce or yogurt. Stir well to ensure the powder is evenly distributed before taking it.

Can VIGANEXT Powder be mixed with juice or milk?

Yes, VIGANEXT Powder can be mixed with juice or milk to make it easier to take. Choose whichever you prefer, but avoid hot liquids as they may affect the medicine’s effectiveness.

Best way to take VIGANEXT Powder safely:

Always take the medicine at the same time each day. Use the exact dose prescribed, and do not skip or double doses. If you have any side effects or concerns, talk to your doctor.

How often should VIGANEXT Powder be taken?

Typically, VIGANEXT Powder is taken once or twice daily, depending on your doctor’s instructions. Consistency is key to managing seizures effectively.

What if I forgot to take VIGANEXT POWDER

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects Of VIGANEXT POWDER

Like all medicine, Viganext Powder may cause certain side effects in some individuals, although not everybody gets them,

Common Side Effects of Viganext Powder are:

• Blurred vision
• Joint pain
• Tremors
• Tiredness
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Aggression
• Double vision
• Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
• Altered walking

When to consult your doctor?

• Vision Problems (Permanent or Worsening) – symptoms may include blurred vision, tunnel vision (loss of peripheral vision), difficulty seeing at night or in low light.
• Allergic Reactions – symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
• Mental or Mood Changes – symptoms include depression, anxiety, agitation, confusion, irritability, or suicidal thoughts/behavior.
• Severe Sedation or Drowsiness– symptoms include feeling excessively sleepy, fatigued, or having difficulty staying awake.
• Worsening or New Seizures – symptoms include increase in seizure frequency or appearance of new, unusual movements (especially in infants).
• Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain – may signal a serious reaction involving the lungs or cardiovascular system.
• Swelling or Pain in Limbs – could indicate a rare reaction involving blood clots or circulation problems

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

VIGANEXT POWDER is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy unless it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

VIGANEXT POWDER is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it passes through breastmilk.  Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate machines if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, and/or visual disorders after taking VIGANEXT POWDER. Consult your doctor before taking VIGANEXT POWDER.

Kidney

Use with Caution

VIGANEXT POWDER should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking VIGANEXT POWDER.

Liver

Use with Caution

VIGANEXT POWDER should be used with caution in patients with liver problems such as hepatic failure.  Consult your doctor before taking VIGANEXT POWDER.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take VIGANEXT POWDER if you are allergic to Vigabatrin, and/or any ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Use with Caution

VIGANEXT POWDER should be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). Consult your pediatrician before giving it.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

VIGANEXT POWDER should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Consult your doctor before taking VIGANEXT POWDER.

Other Warnings for VIGANEXT POWDER

Before taking VIGANEXT POWDER, inform your doctor if you:

• have/had depression
• have a history of suffering from other psychiatric illness in the past
• have had any problems with your eyes.

Drug - Drug interaction

Inform your physician if you are taking any of the following medicine before taking VIGANEXT POWDER:

1. Other Antiepileptic Drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine)

• Interaction: May affect blood levels of other antiepileptics
• Effects: Reduced effectiveness of phenytoin; possible increase in side effects
• Management: Monitor blood levels and seizure control closely; dose adjustment may be required

2. Clonazepam or Benzodiazepines

• Interaction: Additive sedative effect
• Effects: Increased risk of drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reaction time
• Management: Use with caution; avoid activities requiring alertness; monitor CNS side effects

3. Antipsychotic Medications (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine)

• Interaction: May increase the risk of neurological side effects
• Effects: Possible worsening of behavioral symptoms or coordination problems
• Management: Close monitoring of behavior and movement; adjust dose if needed

4. Valproic Acid

• Interaction: Combined use may increase risk of encephalopathy (brain-related side effects)
• Effects: Excessive sleepiness, confusion, or breathing problems
• Management: Use with extreme caution; monitor for CNS symptoms and adjust treatment if necessary

5. Hormonal Contraceptives

• Interaction: No known direct interaction, but caution is advised due to potential CNS effects
• Effects: Unclear, but may affect medication adherence due to sedation
• Management: Use effective contraception; consult doctor if side effects interfere with use

6. CNS Depressants (e.g., opioids, alcohol, sleep aids)

• Interaction: Additive CNS depression
• Effects: Increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression
• Management: Avoid concurrent use if possible; monitor for severe drowsiness or breathing issues

7. Drugs Affecting Vision (e.g., chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine)

• Interaction: May increase risk of vision loss when combined with VIGANEXT
• Effects: Higher chance of optic nerve damage or visual disturbances
• Management: Avoid combination if possible; ensure regular eye exams

Drug - Food interaction

1. Alcohol

• Interaction: Additive central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect
• Effects: May increase drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and risk of seizures
• Management: Avoid alcohol during treatment; consult your doctor if alcohol intake cannot be avoided

2. High-Fat Meals

• Interaction: May slightly delay absorption
• Effects: Possible delayed onset of action, but overall efficacy not significantly affected
• Management: VIGANEXT can be taken with or without food; maintain consistent dietary habits

3. Caffeine-Rich Foods or Beverages (e.g., coffee, energy drinks)

• Interaction: Potential reduction in medication effectiveness due to CNS stimulation
• Effects: May counteract the calming effect of the drug, leading to restlessness or agitation
• Management: Limit intake of caffeine-containing products; monitor for changes in seizure control

4. Grapefruit Juice

• Interaction: No significant interaction reported with Vigabatrin, but general caution advised
• Effects: Unpredictable changes in drug levels (though not commonly seen with VIGANEXT)
• Management: Best to avoid or consume in moderation; inform your doctor of regular use

Synopsis

More Information

A. Why doctors often recommend VIGANEXT POWDER?

1. Effective for Hard-to-Control Seizures
   • VIGANEXT is commonly used in refractory epilepsy, where other antiepileptic drugs fail to provide adequate control.
2. First-Line Treatment for Infantile Spasms
   • It is often the preferred drug for infantile spasms (West syndrome), especially in children under 2 years of age, due to its rapid and reliable response.
3. Unique Mechanism of Action
   • Unlike many other anti-seizure drugs, VIGANEXT increases GABA levels (a calming neurotransmitter), helping reduce abnormal brain activity linked to seizures.
4. Add-On Therapy
   • VIGANEXT can be used in combination with other antiepileptic medications to improve seizure control when a single drug is not enough.
5. Helps Reduce Seizure Frequency & Severity
   • It is known to significantly lower how often seizures occur and how severe they are, improving quality of life.
6. Well-Studied in Pediatric Patients
   • Its safety and effectiveness have been established in infants and young children, making it a trusted option in pediatric neurology.

B. How VIGANEXT Powder Supports Daily Life?

1. Helps Maintain Neurological Balance
VIGANEXT increases levels of GABA, a calming brain chemical, which helps control overactive nerve signals and reduce seizures.

2. Improves Daily Functioning
Better seizure control can lead to improved concentration, alertness, and participation in school, work, and social activities.

3. Supports Child Development
By reducing infantile spasms early, it may support healthier brain development, learning, and physical coordination in young children.

4. Promotes Restful Sleep
Fewer nighttime seizures allow for better sleep quality, which is essential for physical and mental health.

5. Reduces Emergency Visits
With more stable seizure control, there's a lower risk of sudden attacks requiring emergency care.

6. Enhances Confidence and Independence
Gaining control over seizures helps individuals feel more secure and independent in daily tasks.

7. Provides Relief to Families and Caregivers
Predictable management results can ease the emotional and caregiving burden on family members.

FAQs About VIGANEXT POWDER

References

1. KD Tripathi. Antiepileptic Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh Edition. 2013. Page – 421.

2. E Ben-Menachem. Mechanism of action of vigabatrin: correcting misperceptions. NIH National Library of Medicine. National center for biotechnology information. PubMed.gov. 2011. [Accessed on 9th June 2025] 

3. Raman Singh; Robert P. Carson. Vigabatrin. NIH National Library of Medicine. National center for biotechnology information. StatPearls [Internet]. June 2022. [Accessed on 9th June 2025] 

4. Patheon France SA. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2021] [Accessed on 9th June 2025] 

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Electroencephalogram

Author Details

Written By Dr. Karthikeyan Rajagopal - M.Pharm (Pharmacology)

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Last updated on 10 Jun 2025 | 09:51 AM(IST)