Sodium Valproate
Sodium Valproate Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Sodium Valproate shows antiepileptic properties in various types of seizures. The exact mechanism of Sodium Valproate is not yet established. However it is suggested that its activity is related to increased brain levels of Gama Amino Butyric Acid (GABA).
| Trade Name | Sodium Valproate |
| Generic | Sodium Valproate |
| Weight | 250mg |
| Type | Syrup |
| Therapeutic Class | Primary anti-epileptic drugs |
| Manufacturer | Wockhardt Uk Ltd, Kimia Farma, Ikapharmindo Putramas, Bernofarm, Pertiwi Agung, Meprofarm, Otto Pharmaceuticals, Phapros |
| Available Country | United Kingdom, Indonesia |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Sodium Valproate is used for -
- Epilepsy: All types of epilepsy such as Absence seizure, Myoclonic seizure, Tonic-clonic seizure, Atonic, Mixed, simple or generalized, Secondary generalized seizure etc.
- Mania: For the treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorders.
- Other: As an alternative treatment for febrile convulsion & migraine prophylaxis.
Dosage
Sodium Valproate dosage
Oral:
Adults:
- Initial: 600 mg/day in 2 divided doses, preferably after food. Dose may be increased by 200mg/day at 3 days interval to a maximum of 2.5 gm daily in divided doses until control of seizure is achieved.
- Maintenance dose: Usually 1-2 gm daily (20-30 mg/kg daily).
Children (up to 20 kg):
- Initial: 20 mg/kg daily in divided doses. Dose may be increased in severe cases with proper monitoring of plasma concentration.
Children (over 20 kg):
- Initial: 400 mg/ day (irrespective of weight). Dose may be increased by 20-30 mg/ kg if required to achieve control.
Injection:
Sodium Valproate is for intravenous use only. Use of Sodium Valproate for periods of more than 14 days has not been studied. Patients should be switched to oral valproate products as soon as it is clinically feasible.
Sodium Valproate should be administered as a 60 minute infusion (but not more than 20 mg/min) with the same frequency as the oral products, although plasma concentration monitoring and dosage adjustments may be necessary.
In one clinical safety study, approximately 90 patients withepilepsyand with no measurable plasma levels of valproate were given single infusions of Sodium Valproate (up to 15 mg/kg and mean dose of 1184 mg) over 5-10 minutes (1.5-3.0 mg/kg/min). Patients generally tolerated the more rapid infusions well. This study was not designed to assess the effectiveness of these regimens.
Side Effects
Gastric irritation, nausea, ataxia & tremor; hyperammonaemia, increased appetite & weight gain; transient hair loss, oedema, thrombocytopenia, and inhibition of platelet aggregation, impaired hepatic function leading rarely to fetal hepatic failure; rashes; sedation; rarely lethargy and confusion and also increased alertness; rarely pancreatitis, leucopenia, pancytopenia, red cell hypoplasia, fibrinogen reduction; irregular periods, amenorrhoea, gynaecomastia, toxic epidermal necrolysis, hearing loss, Fancoli's syndrome, dementia, Steven's-Johnson syndrome, and vasculitis have also been reported.
Precaution
Liver function should be monitored before therapy and during first six months, especially in those patients who seem most at risk. Blood tests are recommended before surgery. Renal impaired patients, pregnant and brest feeding mother should be specially cared. Valproate is eliminated mainly through the kidney, partly in the form of ketone bodies which may lead to false statement in urine ketone test. Sudden withdrawal of therapy should be avoided
Interaction
Sodium Valproate is a non specific inhibitor of drug metabolism. Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Warfarin, Aspirin etc. interacts with Sodium Valproate.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Sodium Valproate crosses the placenta in humans which may lead to neural tube defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida if exposed in the first trimester. Sodium Valproate may excrete in breast milk. So treatment with Sodium Valproate may cause harm to new born baby.
Contraindication
Sodium Valproate is contra-indicated in patients with known hypersensitivity of Sodium Valproate, personal or family history of severe active liver disease, hepatic dysfunction, porphyria and known urea cycle disorder.
Storage Condition
Syrup: Store below 30° C, protected from light.
Tablet: Store below 30° C, protected from light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Sodium Valproate
FAQ
What is Sodium Valproate used for?
Sodium Valproate used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It's occasionally used to prevent migraine headaches. This medicine is only available on prescription.
How safe is Sodium Valproate?
Many people can take Sodium Valproate safely for many months or years. However, there are potential side effects that can happen over a long time. Long-term treatment with Sodium Valproate can cause osteoporosis and osteopenia.
How long does it take for sodium valproate to work?
Sodium Valproate may take several days to show an initial effect and in some cases may take from two to six weeks for maximum effect. Treatment is started with low doses and may be increased over a couple of weeks according to your child's response.
What are the common side effects of Sodium Valproate?
The common side effects of Sodium Valproate are include:
- stomach pain, feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea
- dry or sore mouth, or swollen gums
- shakes (tremors) in a part of your body, or unusual eye movements
- feeling tired or sleepy
- headache
- weight gain
- thinning hair, or changes to the colour or texture of your hair
- irregular or delayed periods
How to take Sodium Valproate?
Sodium Valproate comes as slow release (prolonged or sustained release) tablets, capsules and granules, gastro-resistant tablets, crushable tablets, and as a liquid.
Slow release medicine passes into your body gradually.
When is the best time to take Sodium Valproate?
You can take Sodium Valproate with or without food, but it's best to stick to the same way each time. Do not take it with food some days and without food on other days.
How often can I take Sodium Valproate?
If you're taking Sodium Valproate once a day, you can choose a time that suits you. Just try to keep to the same time every day.
If you're taking Sodium Valproate twice a day, try to leave a gap of 10 to 12 hours between doses. For example you could take your first dose in the morning (between 7am and 8am) and your second dose in the evening (between 7pm and 8pm).
Is Sodium Valproate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Valproate is not recommended in pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects and problems with your baby's learning and behaviour.
If there's a chance you could become pregnant while taking this medicine, your doctor will put you on Prevent, the Sodium Valproate prevention programme.
Is Sodium Valproate safe during breastfeeding?
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy you can take Sodium Valproate while breastfeeding.
Sodium Valproate passes into breast milk in small amounts but it's unlikely to harm your baby so you can continue breastfeeding if your doctor says you need to take it.
How long will I take Sodium Valproate?
Once your condition is under control, you'll usually need to keep taking Sodium Valproate for many years.
Is Sodium Valproate safe to take it for a long time?
Many people can take Sodium Valproate safely for many months or years.
However, there are potential side effects that can happen over a long time. Long-term treatment with Sodium Valproate can cause osteoporosis and osteopenia.
What will happen when I come off Sodium Valproate?
Do not stop taking Sodium Valproate suddenly, unless your doctor tells you to.
You're unlikely to get any extra symptoms when you stop taking this medicine. However, if you're taking Sodium Valproate for epilepsy, it's possible that you'll get seizures again once you stop taking it. You can prevent these withdrawal seizures by reducing your dose of Sodium Valproate gradually.
Can I drink alcohol with Sodium Valproate?
Drinking alcohol while taking Sodium Valproate may make you feel sleepy or tired. It's best to stop drinking alcohol during the first few days, until you see how the medicine affects you.
Will Sodium Valproate affect my fertility?
Sodium Valproate can reduce fertility in both men and women. Once you stop taking this medicine, your fertility will return.In men Sodium Valproate has been reported to cause infertility.
Will Sodium Valproate affect my contraception?
Sodium Valproate does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.If there's a chance you could become pregnant while taking Sodium Valproate you must use contraception. Your doctor will put you on Prevent, the valproate pregnancy prevention programme.
Can I drive after taking Sodium Valproate?
You may feel sleepy, tired or dizzy when you first start taking Sodium Valproate. This may also happen if your dose has increased. If you're affected, do not drive or ride a bike until you feel more alert.
Can I take too much dose of Sodium Valproate?
Taking too much Sodium Valproate can lead to symptoms such as: feeling or being sick, headaches or feeling dizzy,muscle weakness.
What happen If I missed Sodium Valproate?
If you've missed a dose, what you do next depends on whether you usually take your medicine once or twice a day. If you take Sodium Valproate once a day ,take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember unless it's within a few hours of the next dose.
Who should not take Sodium Valproate?
You should not use Sodium Valproate if you are allergic to it.
