About valproate sodium
Antiepileptic medicine
Used for
- Treatment of certain seizure disorders when oral treatment is not possible.
Usual adult dose
Usually 10–15 mg/kg/day by intravenous infusion, adjusted to response; specialist dosing varies.
Usual dose in children
Usually 10–15 mg/kg/day by intravenous infusion, adjusted to response; specialist dosing varies.
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sleepiness or dizziness
- Low platelet count
- Liver or pancreas injury
Important warnings
- Can cause severe birth defects and developmental problems during pregnancy.
- Rarely causes life-threatening liver damage, especially in young children.
- Seek urgent assessment for severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, or yellowing skin.
- Use only under specialist supervision; blood tests and monitoring may be needed.
Pregnancy
High risk of serious birth defects and developmental harm; generally avoided for epilepsy unless no suitable alternative.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk; breastfeeding is often possible with clinical monitoring.
Interactions
- Carbapenem antibiotics can sharply reduce valproate levels.
- Valproate can increase lamotrigine levels and serious rash risk.
- May increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants or aspirin.
- Alcohol and sedatives can worsen sleepiness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.