Here is a complete overview of Sodium Valproate Tablet 500 mg (without brand names):
💊 Sodium Valproate Tablet 500 mg
✅ DESCRIPTION
Sodium Valproate 500 mg is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) used to manage various types of seizures, bipolar disorder, and for migraine prevention. It acts by increasing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which helps calm overactive nerve signals.
🧪 FORMULATION
- Active Ingredient: Sodium Valproate 500 mg
- Dosage Form: Oral tablet (may be enteric-coated to protect stomach)
- Route of Administration: Oral
- Other Ingredients (common excipients): Cellulose, magnesium stearate, starch, coating agents
🌿 NATURE
- Pharmacological Class: Anticonvulsant, Mood Stabilizer
- Mechanism of Action:
- Increases GABA levels (inhibitory neurotransmitter)
- Modulates sodium and calcium channels
- Reduces excessive neuronal firing and excitability
💡 USES
🔹 Primary Indications:
- Epilepsy
- Generalized seizures (tonic-clonic, myoclonic, absence)
- Focal (partial) seizures
- Mixed seizure types
- Bipolar disorder
- Treatment of acute mania
- Maintenance therapy
- Migraine prophylaxis
- Reduces frequency and severity of migraines
🌟 ADVANTAGES
- Effective for a wide range of seizure types
- Dual role as an antiepileptic and mood stabilizer
- Available in varied strengths (200 mg, 300 mg, 500 mg) for flexible dosing
- Prolonged-release options available for stable blood levels
- Suitable for long-term use under supervision
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Weight gain
- Tremors
- Hair thinning
- Menstrual irregularities
Serious Adverse Effects:
- Liver toxicity (especially in young children)
- Pancreatitis
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Hyperammonemia
- Cognitive impairment at high doses
Contraindications:
- Known liver disease
- Pregnancy (especially in first trimester — high risk of birth defects)
- Known urea cycle disorders
- Hypersensitivity to sodium valproate
Monitoring:
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- CBC (platelet count)
- Serum valproate levels (therapeutic range: 50–100 mcg/mL)
- Ammonia levels if encephalopathy is suspected
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 15°C to 30°C (room temperature)
- Keep in original packaging, tightly closed
- Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight
- Keep out of reach of children