Sodium Valproate

Chemical

Sodium salt of valproic acid

Use

  1. Tx epilepsy
  2. Chronic pain
  3. Mood stabiliser

Presentation

PO tablets

Vial of 400mg freeze dried powder for reconstitution

Dose

1 – 2g/day (starting with 600mg/day)

Route

PO/IV

Onset

2hrs (PO)

MoA (mechanism)

  • Stabilises inactive Na+ channels
  • Stimulates central GABA inhibitory pathways

PD

CNS – anticonvulsant

PK

A

Rapid & complete

100% OBA

D

90% PPB

VD 0.4L/kg

M

Liver

Oxidation & glucuronidase

Some active metabolites

E

t ½ B 8 – 20hrs

Metabolites excreted in urine

Clearance 11mL/kg/hr

Adverse Effects

  • Hepatic dysfunction
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Hair loss
  • Oedema
  • Weight gain