| Category of Drug | Sodium Valproate is a Anticonvulsants/Antiepileptics |
| Mechanism of Action | Anticonvulsant effect(1) of Sodium Valproate has been attributed to the blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels and increased brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). |
| Indications | Sodium Valproate is used for 1. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures 2. Partial seizures 3. Atonic seizures 4. Absence seizures 5. Myoclonic seizures 6. Acute mania 7. Migraine |
| Well Known Pharmaceutical Brands | VALPARIN- SANOFI EPILEX- ABBOTT ENCORATE- SUN VALPRID-MICRO LABS |
| Available dosage forms | 1. TABLET 2. INJECTION 3. SYRUP |
| Dose | 1. Adult- 600 mg daily in two divided doses 2. Children- Initial dose 20 mg/kg/day max. dose 60 mg/kg/day. |
| Contraindications | 1. Active liver disease 2. Family history of severe hepatic dysfunction 3. Pancreas 4. Porphyria 5. Hypersensitivity |
| Precautions | 1. Monitor liver funcon before and during first 6 months of therapy, especially in patients at most risk (children under 3 years of age, those with metabolic disorders, degenerave disorders, organic brain disease or severe seizure disorders associated with mental retardaon 2. Renal impairment 3. Pregnancy 4. Lactation |
| Adverse Effects | 1. Gastrointestinal irritation 2. Nausea 3. Increased appetite and weight gain 4. Hyperammonaemia 5. Ataxia 6. Tremor 7. Transient hair loss |
| Pregnancy Category | D |
