Tiagabine for epilepsy
This leaflet is for parents and carers about how to use this medicine in children. Our information may differ from that provided by the manufacturers, because their information usually relates to adults. Read this leaflet carefully. Keep it somewhere safe so that you can read it again.
Do not stop giving Tiagabine suddenly, as your child may have more seizures.
Name of medicine
Tiagabine
Brand names: Gabitril
Why is it important for my child to take Tiagabine?
It is important that your child takes tiagabine regularly so that they have fewer seizures.
What is Tiagabine available as?
- Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg
When should I give Tiagabine
Tiagabine is usually given twice each day, but can be given three times each day. Your doctor will tell you how often to give it.
- Twice a day: this should be once in the morning and once in the evening. Ideally, these times are 10–12 hours apart, for example some time between 7 and 8 am, and between 7 and 8 pm.
- Three times each day: this should be once in the morning, once in the early afternoon and once in the evening. Ideally, these times are at least 6 hours apart, for example 8 am, 2 pm and 8 pm.
How much should I give?
Your doctor will work out the amount of Tiagabine (the dose) that is right for your child. The dose will be shown on the medicine label.
When you first start giving Tiagabine to your child, you will probably give them a low dose, which may be increased bit by bit over a few days or weeks. This helps your child to get used to the medicine. Your doctor will explain what to do.
How should I give Tiagabine?
Tablets
- Tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water, squash or juice. Your child should not chew the tablets.
- You can crush the tablet and mix it with a small amount of soft food such as yogurt, honey, or mashed potato. Make sure your child swallows it straight away, without chewing.
When should the medicine start working?
It will take a few weeks for Tiagabine to work properly, so your child may still have seizures during this time. This is because the amount of medicine has to be increased slowly. Continue to give the medicine as you have been told to by your doctor.
What if my child is sick (vomits)?
- If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of Tiagabine, give them the same dose again.
- If your child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of Tiagabine, do not give them another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.
If your child is sick again, seek advice from your family doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or hospital. They will decide what to do based on your child’s condition and the specific medicine involved.
What if I forget to give it?
If you usually give it twice a day: If you remember up to 4 hours after you should have given a dose, give your child the missed dose. For example, if you usually give a dose at about 7am, you can give the missed dose at any time up to 11am. If you remember after that time, do not give the missed dose. Give the next dose as usual.
If you usually give it three times a day: Do not give the missed dose. Just give the next dose as usual.
Never give a double dose of Tiagabine.
What if I give too much?
If you think you may have given your child too much Tiagabine, contact your doctor or local NHS services (details at end of leaflet) or take your child to hospital. Have the medicine container or packaging with you, even if it is empty. This will be useful to the doctor.
Are there any possible side effects?
We use medicines to make our children better, but sometimes they have other effects that we don’t want (side-effects). Your child may get some of the following side-effects when they first start taking tiagabine. They are usually mild and should wear off after a few days as your child gets used to the medicine. If they are still a problem after 2 weeks, or you are worried, contact your doctor, but continue to give tiagabine.
- Your child may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- They may feel sleepy, drowsy or sluggish or have mood changes and get upset easily.
- They may have problems with their speech or seem less alert than usual and say that they cannot think clearly.
- They may have diarrhoea. If it is severe and watery contact your doctor.
There may sometimes be other side effects that are not listed above. If you notice anything unusual and are concerned, contact your doctor. You can report any suspected side effects to a UK safety scheme at mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Can other medicines be given at the same time as Tiagabine?
- You can give your child medicines that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless your doctor has told you not to.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal and complementary medicines.
Epilepsy and pregnancy
- Pregnancy presents a risk to both the mother with epilepsy and her unborn baby. If your daughter has sex, it is essential that she uses adequate contraception to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
- If your daughter thinks that she may be pregnant, it is important that she sees your family doctor as early as possible. Your daughter should keep taking her medicine until she sees her doctor.
Tiagabine and pregnancy
- Doctors don’t yet know whether tiagabine can harm an unborn baby.
- The oral contraceptive pill can be used safely by women or girls who are taking tiagabine.
General advice about medicines
- Try to give medicines at about the same times each day, to help you remember.
- If you are not sure a medicine is working, contact your doctor but continue to give the medicine as usual in the meantime. Do not give extra doses, as you may do harm.
- Only give this medicine to your child. Never give it to anyone else, even if their condition appears to be the same, as this could do harm.
- Make sure that you always have enough medicine. Order a new prescription at least 2 weeks before you will run out.
- Make sure that the medicines you have at home have not reached the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the packaging. Give old medicines to your pharmacist to dispose of.
- If your doctor decides to stop a particular medicine, they will discuss this with you. You will usually reduce the dose bit by bit.
Do not suddenly stop giving any medicines for seizures to your child. If you are worried, contact your doctor but carry on giving the medicine to your child as usual.
If your child seems to have more seizures than usual, contact your doctor or epilepsy nurse.
Do not change the dose of any medicine without talking to your doctor first.
If you think someone else may have taken the medicine by accident, contact your doctor straight away.
Where should I keep this medicine?
- Keep the medicine in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight.
- It does not need to be kept in the fridge.
- Make sure that children cannot see or reach the medicine.
- Keep the medicine in the container it came in.
Who to contact for more information?
Your child’s doctor, pharmacist or nurse will be able to give you more information about Tiagabine and about other medicines used to treat seizures.
England: NHS 111
Tel 111
www.nhs.ukScotland: NHS 24
Tel 111
www.nhs24.scotNorthern Ireland: NI Direct
Wales: NHS 111 Wales
Tel 111
www.111.wales.nhs.ukEpilepsy Action
0808 800 5050
www.epilepsy.org.ukEpilepsy Society
01494 601 400
epilepsysociety.org.ukYoung Epilepsy
01342 831342
www.youngepilepsy.org.ukCopyright disclaimer
Version [1]. © NPPG, RCPCH and WellChild, all rights reserved. Review by December 2015.
The primary source for the information in this leaflet is the British National Formulary for Children. For details on any other sources used for this leaflet, please contact us through our website, www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk.
We take great care to make sure that the information in this leaflet is correct and up-to-date. However, medicines can be used in different ways for different patients. It is important that you ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about something. This leaflet is about the use of these medicines in the UK, and may not apply to other countries. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG), WellChild and the contributors and editors cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this leaflet.