Valproic Acid
Generic Name: valproic acid
Brand Names:
Valproic Acid
11 DESCRIPTION Valproic acid is a carboxylic acid designated as 2-propylpentanoic acid. It is also known as dipropylacetic acid. Valproic acid has the following structure: Valproic acid (pKa 4.8) has a molecular weight of 144 and occurs as a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. It is slightly soluble in water (1.3 mg/mL) and very soluble in organic solvents. Valproic Acid Capsules are antiepileptics for oral administration. Each soft gelatin capsule contains 250 mg valproic acid.
Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Valproic acid is a carboxylic acid designated as 2-propylpentanoic acid. It is also known as dipropylacetic acid. Valproic acid has the following structure: Valproic acid (pKa 4.8) has a molecular weight of 144 and occurs as a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. It is slightly soluble in water (1.3 mg/mL) and very soluble in organic solvents. Valproic Acid Capsules are antiepileptics for oral administration. Each soft gelatin capsule contains 250 mg valproic acid.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Valproic Acid Capsules are indicated for: Monotherapy and adjunctive therapy of complex partial seizures; sole and adjunctive therapy of simple and complex absence seizures; adjunctive therapy in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures ( 1 ) 1.1 Epilepsy Valproic Acid Capsules are indicated as 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. Valproic Acid Capsules are indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types which include absence seizures.
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Valproic Acid Capsules are intended for oral administration. ( 2.1 ) Simple and Complex Absence Seizures: Start at 10 to 15 mg/kg/day, increasing at 1-week intervals by 5 to 10 mg/kg/week until seizure control or limiting side effects ( 2.1 ) Safety of doses above 60 mg/kg/day is not established ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) 2.1 Epilepsy Valproic Acid Capsules are intended for oral administration. Valproic Acid Capsules should be swallowed whole without chewing to avoid local irritation of the mouth and throat. Patients should be informed to take Valproic Acid Capsules every day as prescribed. If a dose is missed it should be taken as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. If a dose is skipped, the patient should not double the next dose.
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 , 5.9 , 5.10 )] Suicidal behavior and ideation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Bleeding and other hematopoietic disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Hypothermia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Somnolence in the elder...
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 Hepatotoxicity General Population: H e p atic failure resulting in fatalities has occurred in patients receiving valproate and its derivatives. These incidents usually have occurred during the first six months of treatment. Serious or fatal hepatotoxicity may be preceded by non-specific symptoms such as malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial edema, anorexia, and vomiting. In patients with epilepsy, a loss of seizure control may also occur. 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; valproic acid should ordinarily be discontinued ( 5.5 ) Suicidal behavior or ideation; Antiepileptic drugs, including valproic acid, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior ( 5.7 ) Bleeding and other hematopoietic disorders; monitor platelet counts and coagulation tests ( 5.8 ) Hyperamm... 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Valproic Acid Capsules should not be administered to patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
Storage
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Each white, oblong soft-gelatin capsule is imprinted PA2120, contains 250 mg valproic acid in NDC: 70518-0079-00 NDC: 70518-0079-01 NDC: 70518-0079-02 PACKAGING: 30 in 1 BLISTER PACK PACKAGING: 100 in 1 BOX PACKAGING: 1 in 1 POUCH The softgels should be protected from moisture and humidity and stored between 59 to 77°F (15 to 25°C) as per the container label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valproic Acid used for?▼
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Valproic Acid Capsules are indicated for: Monotherapy and adjunctive therapy of complex partial seizures; sole and adjunctive therapy of simple and complex absence seizures; adjunctive therapy in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures ( 1 ) 1.1 Epilepsy Valproic Acid Capsules are indicated as 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. Valproic Acid Capsules are indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types which include absence seizures.
What are the side effects of Valproic Acid?▼
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 , 5.9 , 5.10 )] Suicidal behavior and ideation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Bleeding and other hematopoietic disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Hypothermia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Somnolence in the elder...
What are the important warnings for Valproic Acid?▼
WARNING: LIFE THREATENING ADVERSE REACTIONS Hepatotoxicity General Population: H e p atic failure resulting in fatalities has occurred in patients receiving valproate and its derivatives. These incidents usually have occurred during the first six months of treatment. Serious or fatal hepatotoxicity may be preceded by non-specific symptoms such as malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial edema, anorexia, and vomiting. In patients with epilepsy, a loss of seizure control may also occur. 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; valproic acid should ordinarily be discontinued ( 5.5 ) Suicidal behavior or ideation; Antiepileptic drugs, including valproic acid, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior ( 5.7 ) Bleeding and other hematopoietic disorders; monitor platelet counts and coagulation tests ( 5.8 ) Hyperamm... 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Valproic Acid Capsules should not be administered to patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
Related Medications
Buserelin Acetate
buserelin acetate
Dosage form: POWDER. Active ingredients: BUSERELIN ACETATE (1 g/g). Category: BULK INGREDIENT FOR HUMAN PRESCRIPTION COMPOUNDING.
Cocoa Butter, Glycerin, Lidocaine, Petrolatum, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride
cocoa butter, glycerin, lidocaine, petrolatum, phenylephrine hydrochloride
Non-Standardized Chemical Allergen [EPC]
Purposes Protectant Local Anesthetic Vasoconstrictor
Cefepime
cefepime
11 DESCRIPTION Cefepime Injection in Galaxy Container is a sterile, injectable product consisting of Cefepime Hydrochloride, USP, a semi-synthetic, broad spectrum, cephalosporin antibacterial for parenteral administration.
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.