VALPROIC ACID
Manufacturer: Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC
Score: 144.0
Valproic acid is an antiepileptic medication used for the treatment of various seizure disorders, including complex partial seizures, simple and complex absence seizures, and as adjunctive therapy in patients with multiple seizure types. It has a boxed warning for hepatotoxicity, fetal risk, and pancreatitis. Key clinical findings indicate its efficacy in controlling seizures, but it also has important safety information, including contraindications for patients with hepatic disease, mitochondrial disorders, and hypersensitivity to the drug. Dosing recommendations vary based on the condition being treated and patient population, with initial dosing and titration details provided. Special population considerations include use during pregnancy, nursing mothers, pediatric use, and geriatric use, all of which require careful consideration due to potential risks and the need for dose adjustments.
Hepatotoxicity, fetal risk, and pancreatitis
Dose adjustments should be made based on clinical response and plasma concentrations, with consideration for patients with hepatic or renal impairment, as well as those taking other medications that may interact with valproic acid.
10 to 15 mg/kg/day, increasing at 1 week intervals by 5 to 10 mg/kg/week
10 to 15 mg/kg/day, increasing at 1 week intervals by 5 to 10 mg/kg/week for children 10 years and older
15 mg/kg/day, increasing at one week intervals by 5 to 10 mg/kg/day
15 mg/kg/day, increasing at one week intervals by 5 to 10 mg/kg/day for children 10 years and older