Sodium Valproate
Brand: Epilim (EU) / Valprol (IN) / Encorate (IN) / Gestalt (BD)
Anticonvulsant
GABA agonist / HDAC inhibitor
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 14 hours |
| Tmax | 2 h |
| Bioavailability | 90 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 90 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.14 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Narrow therapeutic window. Monitor LFTs and platelets. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Severe
Adverse Effects:
Hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, tremor, sedation, weight gain, thrombocytopenia, hair loss
Contraindications:
Pregnancy (high teratogenicity), active liver disease
Precautions:
Check LFTs frequently especially first 6 months; avoid in pregnancy/childbearing females; monitor platelets.