Introduction
- Valproic acid acid is a branched chain carboxylic acid used for treating seizures, mania, bipolar disorder, and migraines.
- Valproate causes mild toxicity in the majority of cases.
- The older anticonvulsants phenytoin and carbamazepine remain a greater problem than valproate in overdose.
- Valproate is usually absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Peak serum concentration (Cmax) is 1-4 hours; but may be delayed in large ingestions. The elimination half-life of valproate can increase to 30 or more hours in the setting of acute overdose-prolonged observation is recommended.
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