Generic name: Valproate

Classification

Anticonvulsants

Indications

Epilepsy, generalised seizures, esp grand mal combined w/ petit mal & myoclonic, petit mal types; partial seizures. Treatment & prevention of mania associated w/ bipolar disorder.

Dosage

Oral Initially 10-15 mg/kg/day increasing at 2-3 day intervals to reach optimum dosage in about 1 wk. Adult 20-30 mg/kg/day. Childn 30 mg/kg/day. IV inj Initially 15 mg/kg by slow IV inj over 3 min followed by infusion at 1-2 mg/kg/hr &adjusted according to clinical response.

Contraindications

Acute liver disease.

Precautions

Fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting. Pregnancy.

Adverse Reactions

Liver dysfunction, GI disorders, wt gain.

Interactions

Potentiate effects of MAOIs.