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Gabitril®
Diagnosis & Treatment > Seizure Medications > Gabitril® > Introduction to Gabitril
 

Introduction to Gabitril

Gabitril is the brand name used in the United States, the UK, Australia, and other countries for tiagabine.

Gabitril first was approved in Europe in 1996 and was approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 1997. At that time it was marketed by Abbott Laboratories, but in 2001 the rights to market this medication were purchased by Cephalon, Inc. The identification on the tablets changed but they stayed the same in all other ways.

Forms
Gabitril is marketed in the United States by Cephalon, Inc.. The name, appearance, or doses may differ in other places. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Tablets

2-mg (orange-peach color, round)
Tablet with "C" logo on one side and "402" on the other
4-mg (yellow, round)
Tablet with "C" logo on one side and "404" on the other
12-mg (green, ovaloid)
Tablet with "C" logo on one side and "412" on the other
16-mg (blue, ovaloid)
Tablet with "C" logo on one side and "416" on the other

No generic form is available.

How to take and store Gabitril
Gabitril can be taken with or without food, but it is generally better tolerated when taken with food because of slower absorption. Encourage patients to be consistent in always taking it the same way.

Gabitril should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and kept out of the reach of young children.

Missed doses
In general, tell patients that if they forget a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, they should delay that dose for a few hours instead of taking two doses very close together.

Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.