Valproate Sodium

Generic Name: valproate sodium

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Valproate Sodium

11 DESCRIPTION Valproate sodium is the sodium salt of valproic acid designated as sodium 2-propylpentanoate. Valproate sodium has the following structure: Valproate sodium has a molecular weight of 166.2. It occurs as an essentially white and odorless, crystalline, deliquescent powder. Valproate Sodium Injection, USP is available in 5 mL single-dose vials for intravenous injection.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Valproate sodium is the sodium salt of valproic acid designated as sodium 2-propylpentanoate. Valproate sodium has the following structure: Valproate sodium has a molecular weight of 166.2. It occurs as an essentially white and odorless, crystalline, deliquescent powder. Valproate Sodium Injection, USP is available in 5 mL single-dose vials for intravenous injection.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Valproate Sodium Injection is indicated as an intravenous alternative in patients in whom oral administration of valproate products is temporarily not feasible in the following conditions: Monotherapy and adjunctive therapy of complex partial seizures and simple and complex absence seizures; adjunctive therapy in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures ( 1 ) 1.1 Epilepsy Valproate Sodium Injection is indicated as an intravenous alternative in patients for whom oral administration of valproate products is temporarily not feasible in the following conditions: Valproate Sodium Injection is indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association...

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Valproate Sodium Injection is intended for intravenous use only. Epilepsy Complex Partial Seizures in Adults and Children 10 years of age or older: Initial dose is 10 to 15 mg/kg/day, increasing at 1 week intervals by 5 to 10 mg/kg/day to achieve optimal clinical response. Maximum recommended dose is 60 mg/kg/day ( 2.1 ) Simple and Complex Absence Seizures: Initial dose is 10 to 15 mg/kg/day, increasing at 1 week intervals by 5 to 10 mg/kg/day to achieve optimal clinical response. Maximum recommended dose is 60 mg/kg/day ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Epilepsy Valproate Sodium Injection is for intravenous use only. Use of Valproate Sodium Injection for periods of more than 14 days has not been studied.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatic failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Birth defects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Decreased IQ following in utero exposure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hyperammonemic encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 , 5.8 , 5.9 )] Bleeding and other hematopoietic disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypothermia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multi-Organ hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Somnolence in the elderly [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Because clinical studies ar...

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, rifampin) can increase valproate clearance, while enzyme inhibitors (e.g., felbamate) can decrease valproate clearance. Therefore increased monitoring of valproate and concomitant drug concentrations and dosage adjustment are indicated whenever enzyme-inducing or inhibiting drugs are introduced or withdrawn ( 7.1 ) Aspirin, carbapenem antibiotics, estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives: Monitoring of valproate concentrations is recommended ( 7.1 ) Co-administration of valproate can affect the pharmacokinetics of other drugs (e.g.

Warnings

WARNING: LIFE THREATENING ADVERSE REACTIONS WARNING: LIFE THREATENING ADVERSE REACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Hepatotoxicity, including fatalities, usually during the first 6 months of treatment. Children under the age of two years and patients with mitochondrial disorders are at higher risk. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity; evaluate high risk populations and monitor serum liver tests ( 5.1 ) Birth defects, decreased IQ, and neurodevelopmental disorders following in utero exposure; should not be used to treat women with epilepsy or bipolar disorder who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant or to treat a woman of childbearing potential unless other medications have failed to provide adequate symptom control or are otherwise unacceptable ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 ) Pancreatitis; Valproate Sodium Injection should ordinarily be discontinued ( 5.5 ) Bleeding and other hematopoietic disorders; monitor platelet counts and coagulation tests ( 5.7 ) Hyperammonemia and hyperammonemic encephalopathy; measure ammonia level if unexplained lethargy and vomiting or changes in mental s... 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Valproate Sodium Injection should not be administered to patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Valproate Sodium Injection, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking Valproate Sodium Injection during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling toll-free 1-888-233-2334 or visiting the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/. This must be done by the patient herself.

Storage

Storage Conditions Store vials at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Discard unused portion. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valproate Sodium used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Valproate Sodium Injection is indicated as an intravenous alternative in patients in whom oral administration of valproate products is temporarily not feasible in the following conditions: Monotherapy and adjunctive therapy of complex partial seizures and simple and complex absence seizures; adjunctive therapy in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures ( 1 ) 1.1 Epilepsy Valproate Sodium Injection is indicated as an intravenous alternative in patients for whom oral administration of valproate products is temporarily not feasible in the following conditions: Valproate Sodium Injection is indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association...

What are the side effects of Valproate Sodium?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatic failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Birth defects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Decreased IQ following in utero exposure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hyperammonemic encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 , 5.8 , 5.9 )] Bleeding and other hematopoietic disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypothermia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multi-Organ hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Somnolence in the elderly [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Because clinical studies ar...

Can I take Valproate Sodium during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Valproate Sodium Injection, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking Valproate Sodium Injection during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling toll-free 1-888-233-2334 or visiting the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/. This must be done by the patient herself.

What are the important warnings for Valproate Sodium?

WARNING: LIFE THREATENING ADVERSE REACTIONS WARNING: LIFE THREATENING ADVERSE REACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Hepatotoxicity, including fatalities, usually during the first 6 months of treatment. Children under the age of two years and patients with mitochondrial disorders are at higher risk. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity; evaluate high risk populations and monitor serum liver tests ( 5.1 ) Birth defects, decreased IQ, and neurodevelopmental disorders following in utero exposure; should not be used to treat women with epilepsy or bipolar disorder who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant or to treat a woman of childbearing potential unless other medications have failed to provide adequate symptom control or are otherwise unacceptable ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 ) Pancreatitis; Valproate Sodium Injection should ordinarily be discontinued ( 5.5 ) Bleeding and other hematopoietic disorders; monitor platelet counts and coagulation tests ( 5.7 ) Hyperammonemia and hyperammonemic encephalopathy; measure ammonia level if unexplained lethargy and vomiting or changes in mental s... 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Valproate Sodium Injection should not be administered to patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.