Issues for Surgery


Precipitation of rebound seizures or status epilepticus if omitted.


  Advice in the Perioperative period


Elective and Emergency Surgery

Continue.

Patients should be advised to take their regular medications on the day of surgery1, 2, 3.

Abrupt withdrawal of any anticonvulsant drug should be avoided1.

Confirm with the patient if they need to be maintained on a specific manufacturer’s product (see Further Information).

Post-operative Advice

Regular dosing of the patient’s usual oral medication should be re-established as early as possible post-operatively2, 3.

Tiagabine is only available as an oral preparation. If patients cannot resume their usual oral medication post-operatively, the advice of a Neurologist should be sought to determine the most appropriate antiepileptic preparation, dose, route and frequency to be used.


  Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents


None1, 4, 5, 6.

For general information regarding the use of anaesthetic agents in patients with epilepsy – see Antiepileptics – A General Overview.


  Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period


None1, 4, 5, 6.

For general information regarding the use of antiemetics in patients with epilepsy – see Antiepileptics – A General Overview.


  Further Information


MHRA/CHM Advice: Antiepileptic Drugs: updated advice on switching between different manufacturer’s products (November 2017)1

Tiagabine is a category 3 antiepileptic, hence it is usually unnecessary to ensure that patients are maintained on a specific manufacturer’s product unless there are specific concerns such as patient anxiety, and risk of confusion or dosing errors. (For more information see ‘Antiepileptics – A General Overview).


  References


  1. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed 20th July 2019]
  2. Perks A, Cheema S, Mohanraj R. Anaesthesia and epilepsy. BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2012; 108(4):562-571
  3. Carter EL, Adapa RM. Adult epilepsy and anaesthesia. BJA Education. 2015; 15(3):111-117
  4. Baxter K, Preston CL (eds), Stockley’s Drug Interactions (online) London: Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 20th July 2019]
  5. Tiagabine. In: Brayfield A (Ed), Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. London: The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed 20th July 2019]
  6. Summary of Product Characteristics – Gabitril® (tiagabine) 15mg Tablets. Cephalon (UK) Limited. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 20/07/2019 [date of revision of the text July 2016]