Abstract
Valproic acid and valproate sodium are substances with anticonvulsive effect to broad spectrum of epileptic seizures including partial and generalised seizures as well as special epileptic syndromes. These compounds are also approved for the treatment of manic phases of bipolar depression and prevention of migraine attacks.
For the broad spectrum of effects are responsible various mechanisms of action on the neurotransmitter level, their second messengers, transcription factors and gene expression. These substances are rapidly absorbed, metabolised in the liver and bound to plasma proteins.
Elimination is mainly into the urine, half life varies between 8-20 hours. Hepatotoxicity and teratogenicity can lead to the serious complications during the treatment.
There is no induction of hepatic enzymes. The dose is individually titrated, normaly ranges between 20-30 mg/kg/den.