Valproic Acid Pharmacology
Valproic Acid
Valproic acid enhances the release and synthesis of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and inhibits its degradation. This will result in an increased concentration of GABA and is used as antiepileptic agent. Valproate is also used to treat the acute manic phase of bipolar disorder and for the prophylaxis of migraine.
Distribution: It is very widely distributed in the body in protein bound form.
Metabolism: It is extensively metabolised in the liver.
Excretion: It is excreted mainly in urine and small amount in faeces, exhaled air and breast milk.
2. Ataxia
3. Tremor
4. Headache
5. Dizziness
6. Nausea
7. Vomiting
8. Abdominal cramps
9. Diarrhoea
10. Anorexia
11. Pancreatitis
12. Elevated hepatic enzyme level
2. Valproic acid injection is contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction
2. Renal impairment
3. Acute Porphyria
4. Congenital heart defects
5. Slowly withdraw the drug with caution
6. Use with caution in patient receiving other anticonvulsants
7. Use caution when driving vehicle operating machine or performing other hazardous activities.
Below 2 years : contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated
2. Mania
3. Prophylaxis of migraine
Chlorpromazine, Cimetidine : Decreased clearance and increased half-life of sodium valporate.
Salicylates: Serum levels of sodium valproate elevated leading to toxicity.
Alcohol & other CNS depressants: CNS depressant effect potentiated.
Phenobarbital, Primidone: May result in increased phenobarbital level and an increase in CNS effects.
Carbamazepine, Clonazepam, Ethosuximide, Phenytoin: Variable changes in the effects of these agents and on sodium valproate.
Lab Tests: False interpretation of urine ketone test. Altered thyroid function tests may occur.
Anticonvulsant: 300 mg 2 times daily. Dose can be increased by 200 mg very 3 days until sufficient response is obtained. Maintenance dose: 1 - 2g / day
Maximum dose: 2.5 mg / day
Mania: 750 mg / day in divided doses
Prophylaxis of migraine: 500mg / day in 2 divided doses if needed dose can be increased up to 1 g.
Children :
Children up to 20 kg: 20 mg / kg body weight/ day in divided doses if needed dose can be increased up to 40mg/kg body weight/day.
Children over 20 kg: 200mg 2 times daily if needed dose can be gradually increased until control are achieved.
Maximum dose: 40 mg / kg body weight/ day
Home Delivery for Valproic Acid in Your City
Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including valproic acid.
However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for valproic acid and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for valproic acid may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.
Please be aware that you should take valproic acid only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for valproic acid before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for valproic acid with the pharmacy.
Valproic Acid is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for valproic acid might be better known than valproic acid itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have valproic acid in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for valproic acid.