Sodium Valproate
About Sodium Valproate
The use of Sodium Valproate can be enlisted as follows:
- Monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures.
- Sole and adjunctive therapy of simple and complex absence seizures.
- Adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures.
- Mania
- Migraine
- Unlabeled use: Behavior disorders in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Sodium Valproate is a drug that aids in the control of seizures in patients who suffer from epilepsy. The drug is an anticonvulsant, and effectively increases a certain type of brain chemical that control some seizures. The drug may also be used to treat other conditions as per the doctor’s guidance.
Sodium Valproate is meant for oral consumption and can be taken before or with a meal. It is generally advised that the drug should not be taken with carbonated drinks, as irritation in the throat may occur. The dosage of the drug is primarily dependent on the patient’s age, health, weight and severity of the condition.
In case you are taking Sodium Valproate to control seizures do not stop it suddenly. It is advised that the drug should be discontinued gradually, so as to prevent any complications. Sodium Valproate use can lead to some side effects which include- dizziness, hair loss, tremor, diarrhea, changed in weight and blurred or double vision. These side effects stop gradually, but in case any of them continue or tend to worsen seek medical help immediately.
A few patients may also experience mood swings and undergo depression resulting in suicidal thoughts. In this case family members should be well aware of such a side effect to take care of the patient. In case of over dosage of the drug seek immediate medical help. Symptoms of over dosage can include coma, irregular heart rate and extreme drowsiness.
In case of adults the doctor may prescribe a dosage ranging from 1000mg to 2000mg on a daily bases. Very low doses of Sodium Valproate are prescribed to children that may vary from 25mg to 30mg. An allergic reaction is very rare to this drug but may occur, resulting in a rash or chest pain along with shortness of breath. Seek medical help in this case.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Sodium Valproate
Sodium Valproate is used in the treatment of Epilepsy which is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. Uncontrolled jerking movements and loss of consciousness are some of the symptoms of Epilepsy.
Sodium Valproate is used in the treatment of mania which is a mental disorder characterized by hyperactivity and racing thoughts.
Migraine Prophylaxis
Sodium Valproate is used as prophylaxis in migraine headaches characterized by severe headache, eye pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Sodium Valproate ?
Urea Cycle Disorders
Mitochondrial Disorders
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Sodium Valproate ?
Nausea Or Vomiting
Shakiness In The Legs, Arms, Hands Or Feet
Blurred Vision
Weight Gain
Body Pain
Dry Or Scaly Skin
Rash
Alopecia
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Sodium Valproate
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 24 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 2 hours.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendency has been reported
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
This medicine is recommended only if clearly needed when no safer alternative is available. Monitoring of undesired effects like discoloration of eyes and skin is necessary.
Is It safe with alcohol?
It is found to be unsafe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
This medicine may affect the alertness of the patient. Thus driving must be avoided while taking this medicine.
Does this affect kidney function?
This medicine is probably safe to be used in patients with kidney disease. Availability of limited data suggests adjustment of dose might not be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Does this affect liver function?
Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patients with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Missed Dose instructions
If you miss a dose of Sodium Valproate, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.
Where is the Sodium Valproate approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Sodium Valproate
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Sodium Valproate as ingredient
- Epilex 200 MG Syrup
Abbott India Ltd
- Vikorate 200 MG Syrup
Kivi Labs Ltd
- Amvalor Chrono 200 MG Tablet
Arinna Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd
- Valprol 200 MG Syrup
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Valparin 500 MG Tablet
Sanofi India Ltd
- Encorate 500 MG Tablet
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd
- Epival Syrup
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
- Valparin 200 MG Syrup
Sanofi India Ltd
- Valparin Chrono 300 Tablet Cr
Sanofi India Ltd
- Encorate 200 MG Tablet
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
Sodium Valproate belongs to the class anticonvulsants. it works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitter GABA and inhibits sodium and calcium channels thus it reduces the excitation of the brain cells.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Sodium Valproate ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.Interaction with Lab Test
Lab
Information not available.Interaction with Medicine
- Sodium Valproate may displace clozapine from protein binding site resulting in decreased clozapine serum concentrations.
- Carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and phenytoin may induce the metabolism of Sodium Valproate; monitor.
- Sodium Valproate may increase, decrease, or have no effect on carbamazepine and phenytoin levels.
- Sodium Valproate may increase serum concentrations of carbamazepine - epoxide (active metabolite); monitor.
- Cholestyramine may bind VPA in GI tract; monitor.
- Clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin, felbamate, and isoniazid may inhibit the metabolism of VPA; monitor.
- VPA inhibits the metabolism of lamotrigine; monitor.
- VPA appears to inhibit the metabolism of nimodipine and phenobarbital; monitor.
Interaction with Disease
- Hepatic failure resulting in fatalities has occurred in patients; children <2 years of age are at considerable risk; other risk factors include organic brain disease, mental retardation with severe seizure disorders, congenital metabolic disorders, and patients on multiple anticonvulsants. Hepatotoxicity has been reported after 3 days to 6 months of therapy. Monitor patients closely for appearance of malaise, weakness, facial edema, anorexia, jaundice, and vomiting; may cause severe thrombocytopenia, inhibition of platelet aggregation and bleeding; tremors may indicate overdosage; use with caution in patients receiving other anticonvulsants.
- Hyperammonemia may occur, even in the absence of overt liver function abnormalities. Asymptomatic elevations require continued surveillance; symptomatic elevations should prompt modification or discontinuation of valproate therapy. CNS depression may occur with valproate use. Patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (operating machinery or driving). Effects with other sedative drugs or ethanol may be potentiated.
Interaction with Food
- Sodium Valproate may cause GI upset; take with large amount of water or food to decrease GI upset. May need to split doses to avoid GI upset.
- Food may delay but does not affect the extent of absorption.
- Coated particles of divalproex sodium may be mixed with semisolid food (eg, applesauce or pudding) in patients having difficulty swallowing; particles should be swallowed and not chewed.
- Valproate sodium oral solution will generate valproic acid in carbonated beverages and may cause mouth and throat irritation; do not mix valproate sodium oral solution with carbonated beverages.
- Milk: No effect on absorption; may take with milk
- Sodium: SIADH and water intoxication; monitor fluid status. May need to restrict fluid.
FAQs about Sodium Valproate
Ques : What is Sodium Valproate?
Ans : Sodium Valproate is a drug that aids in the control of seizures in patients who suffer from epilepsy. The drug is anticonvulsant, and effectively increases a certain type of brain chemical that controls some seizures.
Ques : What are the uses of Sodium Valproate?
Ans : Sodium Valproateused for the treatment of Epilepsy, Mania and Migraine Prophylaxis.
Ques : What are the side effects of this Sodium Valproate?
Ans : Sodium Valproate use can lead to some side effects which include- dizziness, hair loss, tremor, diarrhea, changed in weight and blurred or double vision.
Ques : How long do I need to use Sodium Valproate before I see improvement in my condition?
Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.
Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Sodium Valproate?
Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.
Ques : Should I use Sodium Valproate empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.
Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Sodium Valproate?
Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.
Ques : How is this Sodium Valproate administered?
Ans : This medication is administered by injection.
References
Sodium valproate-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/sodium%20valproate
Sodium valproate-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00313
Sodium valproate Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=Sodium+Valproate
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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