Sodium Valproate
Introduction
Sodium valproate or valproic acid is an anticonvulsant medication used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy. It has been used both alone and as an add-on therapy for absence seizures, partial seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It's also used to prevent migraine headaches and help with manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
| Generic Name 藥名 | HA Code 藥物代碼 | Classification藥物分類 |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium valproate
Solution |
VALP03 | P1S1S3 |
| Enteric-coated tablet | VALP02 | P1S1S3 |
| CR tablet 200 mg | VALP06 | P1S1S3 |
| CR tablet 300 mg | VALP07 | P1S1S3 |
| CR tablet 500 mg | VALP05 | P1S1S3 |
Mechanism of Action
Anticonvulsant medication. It blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and increased brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid.
Dosage
1. Epilepsy
Oral: Initially 600 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses increase in steps of 150 -300 mg every 3 days maintenance 1-2g daily, maximum 2.5g daily
Administration in child:
Child 1 month-11 years: initially 10-15 mg/kg daily in 1-2 divided doses, (max per dose 600mg.) maintenance 25-30mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses, doses up to 60mg/kg daily may be used. Monitor hematological parameters if dose exceed 40mg/kg
Child 12-17 years: initially 600 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses increase in steps of 150 -300 mg every 3 days maintenance 1-2g daily, maximum 2.5g daily
2. Migraine prophylaxis:
Oral: initially 200mg twice daily, increased if needed to 1.2-2.5g daily in divided dose.
3. Mania
Initially 750mg daily in 1-2 divided doses, usually dose 1-2g daily in 1-2 divided doses. Carefully monitor if dose exceed 45mg/kg
Side Effects
Common side effects include: Aggression behaviour, anaemia, confusion, convulsion, deafness, diarrhoea, extrapyramidal disorder, gastric irritation, haemorrhage, headache,hyponatremia , memory impairment, menstrual disturbance, nausea, nystagmus, sedation, stupor, thrombocytopenia, transient hair loss, tremor, weight gain.
More serious side effect include:
- Acute hepatic failure.
Acute pancreatitis. Discontinue immediately if persistent vomiting and abdominal pain, anorexia, jaundice, oedema, malaise, or loss of seizures control.
