What is Valproic acid - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Last updated date: February 11, 2016.

A synthetic derivative of propylpentanoic acid with antiepileptic properties and potential antineoplastic and antiangiogenesis activities.
In epilepsy, valproic acid appears to act by increasing the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
This agent's antitumor and antiangiogenesis activities may be related to the inhibition of histone deacetylases and nitric oxide synthase, which results in the inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: September 17, 2019.

Adult
PO
Migraine prophylaxis: Initial: 250 mg bid. Max: 1 g/day; extended release 500 mg once daily for 7 days, increased to 1 g once daily. Usual dose: 500-1000 mg/day.
Acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder - valproate semisodium: Initial: 750 mg/day in divided doses, increase as needed based on response. Max: 60 mg/kg/day.
Complex partial seizures - valproic acid or valproate semisodium: ≥10 yr Initial: 10-15 mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses, increase if needed. Max: 60 mg/kg/day. Na valproate: 600 mg/day in 2 divided doses, increase if needed. Usual: 1-2 g/day. Max: 2.5 g/day.
Simple and complex absence seizures. As monotherapy, conversion to monotherapy or adjunctive therapy - valproic acid or valproate semisodium: ≥10 yr Initial: 15 mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses, increase if needed. Max: 60 mg/kg/day.
Bipolar disorder - valpromid: 0.6-1.8 g/day in 2 divided doses. Usual: 1.2 g/day. May increase slowly to reach optimal dose w/ simultaneous and progressive dose reduction of concurrent psychotropic drugs.

IV
Complex partial seizures, simple and complex absence seizures. As monotherapy, conversion to monotherapy or adjunctive therapy - Na valproate: Initial: 10-15 mg/kg/day, increase slowly until control is achieved. Usual: 20-30 mg/kg/day. Daily doses to be given in 2-4 divided doses. Max: 60 mg/kg/day.

Adverse drug reactions: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, increased appetite, somnolence, dizziness, fatigue, hyperammonemic encephalopathy, hypothermia, hallucinations.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Valproic acid

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