Neurological (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Sodium Valproate)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Sodium Valproate)

Answer 1

• Sodium Valproate

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Sodium Valproate)

Answer 2

• Weak sodium ion channel blocker
• Inhibitor of GABA degrading enzymes
• Increased GABA stops action potential

Question 3

Indications (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Sodium Valproate)

Answer 3

• Epilepsy
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression

Question 4

Side effects (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Sodium Valproate)

Answer 4

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Gastric irritation
• Weight gain
• Hyponatraemia
• Behavioral disturbances (less common <10%)
• Confusion (less common <10%)
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (rare <0.1%)

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Sodium Valproate)

Answer 5

• Enzyme inhibitor of cytochrome P450
• Rapid absorption from GI tract – varies with formulation administered (liquid, solid, powder) and when administered (post-prandial or fasting)
• Can cause interactions with other anti-epileptic drugs.

Question 6

Patient information (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Sodium Valproate)

Answer 6

• Avoid alcohol
• Take with food
• Do not take with milk
• Liver function test must be monitored before and during the initial 6 months