Sodium Valproate

Overview

Sodium Valproate is anticonvulsant drug. It acts by potentiating GABA , an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Sodium Valproate is a drug of choice in all forms of epilepsy. Sodium Valproate is also used as the free acid i.e valproic acid, that was found to have an antiepileptic properties when used as a solvent in the search for other antiepileptic drug and Sodium Valproate is licensed for the acute manic attacks associated with bipolar disorders. The amides and esters of valproic acid are also active antileptic agents.

Categories

• 5 Anticonvulsants and Antiepileptics

• 7 Antimigraine preparations
  • 7.2 Migraine prophylaxis

• 24 Psychotherapeutic drugs
  • 24.2 Drugs used in mood disorders
  • 24.2.2 Drugs used in bipolar disorders

Page headings

Primary Characterstics

Indications

Pharmacokinetics

Contraindications

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Sodium Valproate, which give rise to further complications include Thrombocytopenia.

Sodium Valproate produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pancreatitis, Liver damage, Extrapyrimidal symptoms, Hyperammonemia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Sodium Valproate therapy.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Sodium Valproate include Deepening coma, Death.

The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Sodium Valproate are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Weight gain, Tremor, Hair loss, GI disorders, Hematological disorder, Leucopenia, bone marrow depression, nocturnal enuresis, curly hair development.

Dosage

Sodium Valproate's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
1 to 2 g	1.5 (1.5)	12 hourly	PO	As maintenance dose.
1 to 2 g	1.5 (1.5)	12 hourly	PO	As maintenance dose.
600 mg	600 (600)	As recommended.	PO	should be given in two divided doses. Take after food as starting dose. Increase gradually to maintenance dose.
Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)
20 to 30 mg/kg	25 (25)	24 hourly	Oral	Maintenance doses , exceed upto 35mg/kg
0 to 400 mg	200 (200)	24 hourly	Oral	initial daily dose for children weighing more than 20 kg ,should be given in two divided doses
20 to 40 mg/kg	30 (30)	24 hourly	Oral	initial daily dose for children weighing less han 20 kg ,should be given in two divided doses
10 to 30 mg/kg	20 (20)	As recommended.	Slow IV	over 3-5 minutes, maximum upto 2.5g,
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
6 to 12 mg/kg	9 (9)	8 hourly	Intravenous
6 to 12 mg/kg	9 (9)	8 hourly	Oral

High Risk Groups

Warning / Precautions

Storage Conditions

Interference in Pathology

Brands / Trade Names of Sodium Valproate

Manufacturers of Sodium Valproate in Pakistan

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