valproic acid

Uses• antiepileptic
Contraindications,
drug interactions
or cautions
Contraindications
• hepatic dysfunction
• urea cycle dysfunction
• mitochondrial disorders
• children (< 2years)
Drug Interactions
• varicella virus vaccine
• zoster vaccine
Drug Interactions
• phenytoin
• carbamazepine
• phenobarbital
• primidone
• carbapenem antibiotics
• rifampin
Adverse Effects (common and severe)• hepatotoxicity
• pancreatitis
• nausea
• vomiting
• somnolence
• dizziness
• abdominal pain
• dyspepsia, rash
• diarrhea
• tremor
• weight gain
• back pain
• alopecia
• headache
Instructions and dose
(initial; typical)
250mg; 500mg every 8-12 hours; oral liquid: 200mg/5mL
Monitoring• complete blood count
• liver function tests, folate
Source of Suggestion
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
(Added on August, 2015)