Divalproex Sodium
Brand: Depakote (US) / Divaa (IN) / Divalon (BD)
Anticonvulsant
GABA agonist / HDAC inhibitor
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 11 hours |
| Tmax | 4 h |
| Bioavailability | 90 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 90 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.14 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Less GI irritation vs sodium valproate, same final active drug (valproate ion). |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Severe
Adverse Effects:
Hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, tremor, sedation, weight gain, hair loss
Contraindications:
Pregnancy, active liver disease
Precautions:
Monitor LFTs, platelets; avoid in pregnancy; monitor weight/metabolic labs