Valproic acid (valproic acid): functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Valproic Acid What Medicine?

What is the function of Valproic Acid?

Valproic acid or also known as valproic acid is commonly used to treat seizures, mental / mood disorders (such as the manic phase in bipolar disorder), and to prevent side headaches such as migraines.

These drugs work by balancing natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).

This medication is a prescription drug, so you can only buy it at pharmacies with a doctor's prescription. One of the trademarks of this drug available in Indonesia is Ikalep.

Avoid buying this drug without a doctor's prescription because you may not really know the correct dosage for your health condition.

How should valproic acid be used?

Before using any medicine, make sure you always read the instructions for the medicine that is on the package or as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have any doubts, ask your doctor and pharmacist for further details. Avoid guessing the answers out of your ignorance.

To use valproic acid or valproic acid, there are several things you should do, including:

• While you are taking this medication, make sure you are consuming plenty of water. If you don't, you may need to change the dosage.
• If your stomach hurts, take valproic acid with meals.
• Before using this medicine in the form of a syrup, measure this medicine with a measuring spoon or a medicine bottle cap. If you do not have a device to measure the dose of medication, ask your pharmacist.
• If you are taking the drug in capsule form, swallow it completely.
• Do not crush or crush the tablet. This is because crushed drugs without doctor's instructions can affect the performance of the drug.
• While using this medicine you may have frequent blood tests.
• To avoid things that are not desirable, tell the people closest to you that you are using the drug valproic acid.
• If you are going to have an operation, tell your surgeon before surgery that you are using valproic acid.
• Do not stop using this drug even if you feel better. Because, stopping using this drug suddenly can cause serious seizures and can even lead to death.
• Always make sure that you always follow your doctor's instructions regarding adding and reducing the dose of this medication.
• Use this drug at a dosage based on your health condition, age, body weight, and response to therapy.
• Use this remedy regularly for maximum benefits. Remember to take it at the same time every day to maintain the drug levels in your body.
• This drug cannot relieve acute migraine disease. Use other drugs as directed by your doctor if an acute attack occurs.
• Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage.
• Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve.
• Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

This medication is best stored at room temperature and away from direct light and damp areas. Never store this medication in the bathroom, and do not freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

If you are no longer using this medicine or if the medicine has expired, discard this medicine immediately according to the procedure for disposing of the medicine.

One of them, do not mix this drug with household waste. Do not also throw this drug in drains such as toilets.

Ask the pharmacist or staff from the local waste disposal agency about the proper and safe way to dispose of drugs for environmental health.

Valproic Acid Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Valproic Acid for adults?

The following is the dosage of valproic acid that is recommended for adults:

Adult dosage for epilepsy, complex partial seizures:

Initial dose: 10-15 milligrams / kilogram (mg / kg) orally or IV daily; the dose may be increased by 5 to 10 mg / kg each week if absolutely necessary
Maintenance dose: 10-60 mg / kg daily
Maximum dose: 60 mg / kg daily

Adult dosage for epilepsy, simple partial seizures:

Initial dose: 15 mg / kg orally or IV daily; the dose may be increased by 5 to 10 mg / kg each week if absolutely necessary
Maintenance dose: 10-60 mg / kg daily
Maximum dose: 60 mg / kg daily

Adult dosage for mania:

750 mg / day taken in separate doses; do not exceed the dose of 60 mg / kg / day.

Adult dosage for migraines:

250 mg taken every 12 hours; do not exceed the dose of 1000 mg / day.

What is the dosage for valproic acid (valproic acid) for children?

The following is the recommended dosage of valproic acid for children:

Children's dosage for complex partial seizures

• IV: 10-15 mg / kg / day, used once every 12 hours and infused for one hour. Do not use this medication in IV fluid form for longer than 14 days. Immediately change the drinking medication as soon as possible.
• Oral: 10-15 mg / kg / day by mouth; the dose may be increased by 5-10 mg / kg / day or every week; the dose may be added up to 60 mg / kg / day.

Children's dosage for simple partial seizures

For children 10 years and over:

• IV: 10-15 mg / kg / day IV
• used once every 12 hours and infused for one hour. Do not use this medication in IV fluid form for longer than 14 days. Immediately change the drinking medication as soon as possible.
• Oral: 250 mg taken every 12 hours, dose can be adjusted up to 1000 mg / day.

For children under 10 years of age, it is still unknown whether this drug is safe or not when taken by mouth.

In what dosage is Valproic Acid available?

Valproic acid is available in capsules, syrup and intravenous fluids.

Valproic Acid Side Effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Valproic Acid?

Valproic acid has the potential to trigger side effects. According to MedlinePlus, the following are the possible side effects of this drug:

• dizzy
• headache
• diarrhea
• constipation
• change in appetite
• changes in weight
• back pain
• restless or anxious
• mood changes
• difficulty balancing the body
• uncontrolled movements in the eyes
• blurred vision
• ringing in the ears
• hair loss

Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Valproic Acid Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Valproic Acid?

In using valproic acid or valproic acid, the risks of using the drug must be weighed against the benefits obtained. The decision is made by both the doctor and you. For this drug, there are several things you should know and do, including:

Beti knows the doctor about the allergy history

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine. And also let me know if you have allergies to anything else, such as food, coloring, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the ingredients in the packaging carefully.

Consult if you have a history of certain diseases

Do not use valproic acid if you have any of these drugs, or if you have liver disease, urea cycle disorders, or mitochondrial DNA disease.

Wear sunscreen while taking this medicine

Using this medication can make your skin more prone to sunburn. Try to avoid sun exposure by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts when you are out.

Don't forget to always use sunscreen or sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater when you are outdoors.

Other things to watch out for when taking valproic acid:

• Before using this medicine, you should know that using valproic acid can cause fatal liver damage, especially for children under the age of two or adults who do have liver disease.
• Do not use valproic acid for headaches or migraines if you are pregnant.
• Use contraceptive drugs while you are taking valproic acid and tell your doctor right away if you have a pregnancy.
• When using valproic acid, you should avoid activities that require concentration until you fully understand how this drug affects your body.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Valproic acid can harm the fetus and if it is born it can affect the cognitive abilities of the baby as he grows up.

However, if you have a seizure while pregnant, it can harm you and the baby in your womb. Therefore, always use this medicine wisely and do not start or stop using this medicine without a doctor's recommendation.

There are several things you should do if you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant while using this medicine, namely:

• If you are planning to become pregnant, use the contraceptive pill first while using this medicine so that you can completely recover and tell your doctor immediately if you suddenly become pregnant during use.
• Tell your doctor if you start or stop contraceptives that contain the hormone estrogen such as birth control pills, injections, implants, and vaginal rings. Estrogen can interact with valproic acid, and can decrease the performance of the drug, making it less effective at preventing seizures from occurring.
• Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding use of this medicine, especially when you are pregnant. Because, if you experience seizures during pregnancy, you and the fetus can experience dangerous conditions, so the seizures must be addressed. The benefits of controlling seizures certainly outweigh the possible risks of using this drug, however, there are many other drugs that can help you control seizures and use them more safely.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Meanwhile, it may be dangerous for you and your baby if you use this medicine while you are breastfeeding. You should consult your doctor first if you intend to use this medicine while breastfeeding.

Valproic Acid Drug Interactions

What other medicines may interact with Valproic Acid?

Drug interactions can alter the performance of valproic acid or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although certain drugs cannot be used together, in other cases two different drugs can be used together although drug interactions may occur. In this case, the doctor can change the dose, or other warnings may be needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs.

The following is a list of drugs that may interact with valproic acid:

• aspirin
• acyclovir
• carbamazepine
• cholestyramine
• clonazepam
• diazepam
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with Valproic Acid?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking red grapefruit juice while using the medicine unless your doctor allows it.

Grapefruit and grapefruit drugs can increase the risk of interactions. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for more info.

What health conditions may interact with Valproic Acid?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Congenital metabolic disorders (born with a disease that affects metabolism)
• Mental retardation with seizure disorders — use with caution. May increase the risk of more serious side effects
• History of depression
• History of mental illness
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) —use with caution. May worsen the condition
• Liver disease
• Mitochondrial disorders, such as Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome (genetic disorder)
• Urea cycle disorder (genetic disorder) - should not be used in patients with this condition

Valproic Acid Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, call an ambulance (118 or 119) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Overdose symptoms such as:

• sleepy
• irregular heartbeat
• coma (temporary loss of consciousness)

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of valproic acid, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.