Valproic Acid Flashcards
Info
Displaces/is displaced by other meds that are highly protein-bound
Examples are warfarin, aspirin, Carbamazepine, phenytoin
Interaction with valproic acid and warfarin?
May increase warfarin the effects due to antiplatelet effects
What is the pre-drug work up for valproic acid?
LFTs, CBC with diff, platelets
What is LFTs?
Liver function test. They include PT and INR, aptt, albumin, Bilirubin, AST, ALT
Info
Ammonia levels with confusion, 50% of all patients will have elevated ammonia levels
What are the adverse effects of Valproic acid?
Tremor, sedation, alopecia, thrombocytopenia, weight gain, elevated LFTs, Hepatic failure, pancreatitis, agranulocytosis
What is agranulocytosis?
Is an acute condition involving a severe and dangers leukopenia which is lowered white blood cells. It is a severe lack of one major class of infection fighting White blood cells
What is thrombocytopenia?
It is a low platelet count. Platelets stop bleeding.
What is valproic acid used for?
Seizures, migraine, bipolar, mania
When should valproic acid level be check?
Check level at 3 day post dose change
IR/DR check 12 hours post dose.
ER may check anytime after steady-state
