Sodium Valproate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands | MedexInfo

Sodium Valproate

Rx

Generic NameSodium Valproate

Therapeutic ClassAntiepileptic / Mood Stabilizer

Common Strength200 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg tablets; 200 mg/mL syrup

PregnancyContraindicated (teratogenic)

Indications ▼

Epilepsy: Generalized tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic, and partial seizures.

Bipolar Disorder: Treatment of manic or mixed episodes; prevention of mood swings.

Migraine: Prophylaxis of migraine headaches in adults.

Febrile Convulsions: Management of recurrent febrile seizures in children.

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Increases GABA levels in the CNS by inhibiting GABA transaminase and enhancing GABA synthesis. Stabilizes neuronal membranes and reduces excitatory neurotransmission.

Pharmacokinetics: Well absorbed orally; peak plasma concentration in 1–4 hours. Highly protein-bound; metabolized in liver via glucuronidation and β-oxidation. Half-life approximately 9–16 hours.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Dosage must be strictly tailored by a physician based on the patient's age, weight, and seizure control.

Patient / Formulation	Dose	Frequency / Notes
Adults (Initial)	600 mg daily	Divided doses, gradually increased until control is achieved
Adults (Maintenance)	1000–2000 mg daily	Divided doses; adjust per response and plasma levels
Pediatrics	10–15 mg/kg/day initially, increase to 25–30 mg/kg/day	Divided doses; adjust according to seizure control
CR / Chrono Tablets	As prescribed	Swallow whole; sustained-release; usually once daily
Plain Tablets	As prescribed	Usually twice or thrice daily with meals to avoid stomach upset

Side Effects ▼

Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

CNS: tremor, dizziness, sedation

Weight gain, hair loss, menstrual irregularities

Hepatotoxicity, thrombocytopenia (rare, serious)

Teratogenic: neural tube defects if used in pregnancy

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to valproate

Pregnancy (unless no alternative)

Severe hepatic impairment or mitochondrial disorders

Known urea cycle disorders

Drug Interaction ▼

Other antiepileptics: may alter plasma levels (phenytoin, carbamazepine)

Anticoagulants: may increase risk of bleeding

Liver-metabolized drugs: monitor for toxicity

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenicity

Use during breastfeeding with caution; monitor infant for adverse effects

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Clinical Role: Broad-spectrum antiepileptic; also used as mood stabilizer and migraine prophylaxis.

Advantage: Effective against multiple seizure types; dual utility in mood disorders.

Limitation: Hepatotoxicity and teratogenicity risks; requires monitoring.

Monitoring: Liver function, CBC, serum valproate levels, signs of toxicity.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take exactly as prescribed; do not stop abruptly

Report unusual bleeding, jaundice, or severe abdominal pain

Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception

Regular lab monitoring is essential

Storage & Handling ▼

Store below 25°C

Protect from light and moisture

Keep out of reach of children

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Valoate Syrup 200mg/5ml Convules Syrup 200mg/5ml Convules CR Tablet Encorate Tablet Encorate Chrono Tablet Proval Syrup 200mg/5ml Proval CR Tablet Sodival CR Tablet Valepi Tablet Valepsy Syrup 200mg/5ml Valepsy CR Tablet Valoate CR Tablet Valporin Syrup 200mg/5ml Valporin Capsule 250mg Valporin CR Tablet Nalipsy Tablet 200mg

Global:

Depakote®, Epival®, Convulex®

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: Antiepileptics • Condition: Epilepsy • Condition: Bipolar Disorder • Condition: Migraine