Availability & Expiry
INTRODUCTION
VALPEX CR contains Sodium valproate, which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-convulsants or Anti-epileptic agents. It is used in the treatment of epilepsy (fits). Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. Symptoms include temporary confusion, staring spells, stiff muscles, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness or awareness, fear and anxiety.
VALPEX CR is not recommended for use if you have porphyria (affecting metabolism), liver problems and Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome (mitochondrial disorder). Before taking VALPEX CR inform your doctor if you have kidney, brain problems, carnitine palmitoyl transferase type II deficiency, diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease).
Do not consume alcohol while taking VALPEX CR. Before taking VALPEX CR inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. VALPEX CR should be used with caution in children. The most common side effects of taking VALPEX CR are stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, feeling tired and weight gain. Consult your doctor if symptoms become worse while taking VALPEX CR.
USES OF VALPEX CR
- Treats epilepsy (fits)
HOW VALPEX CR WORKS
VALPEX CR increases concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which reduces neuronal excitability by inhibiting nerve transmission in the brain, probably due to inhibition of the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of GABA.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take VALPEX CR as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the right dose and duration depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
SIDE EFFECTS OF VALPEX CR
COMMON
- headache
- stomach pain
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea, constipation
- weakness
- tremors (feel shaking)
- weight changes
- hair loss
- mood changes
- insomnia
- rash, nervousness
- appetite changes
- ringing sensation in ears
- blurred vision
- involuntary eye movement
- bruising or bleeding under the skin
- muscle pain
- shortness of breath
RARE
Stop taking VALPEX CR and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- an allergic reaction (rash, joint pain, fever (systemic lupus erythematosus), swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue including hands, feet or genitals, lymph node enlargement and possible impairment of other organs
- liver problems and problems of the pancreas may show as a sudden illness (nausea and vomiting many times; being very tired, sleepy and weak, stomach pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, swelling of legs and other parts of the body, worsening of fits
- skin rash or skin lesions with a pink/red ring and a pale center which may be itchy, scaly or filled with fluid (on the palms or soles of your feet, can be erythema multiforme)
- blistering or bleeding of the skin around the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals, flu-like symptoms and fever (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- severe blistering rash where layers of the skin may peel off to leave large areas of raw exposed skin over the body, unwell, fever, chills and aching muscles (toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- bruising more easily and getting more infections than usual (thrombocytopenia), blood clotting problems
- changes in mood, loss of memory, lack of concentration and loss of consciousness
- hypothyroidism, which may cause tiredness or weight gain
- breathing difficulty and pain due to inflammation of the lungs
- changes in behavior including being very alert and sometimes also aggressive, hyperactive and unusual or inappropriate behavior
- changes in the amount of ammonia in the blood (symptoms include vomiting, problems with balance and co-ordination, feeling lethargic or less alert)
- sleepy or unsteady when walking or jerky muscle movements
- increase in the number and severity of convulsions
- liver damage, inflammation of the pancreas, bedwetting, renal dysfunction, overgrowth of gum tissue, aggression, agitation, disturbance in attention, abnormal behavior, hyperactivity and learning disorder in children
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Stomach pain:
Try to take rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller and more frequent meals. Keep a heating pad on your stomach. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.
Diarrhea:
Drink a lot of fluids, such as water to keep yourself hydrated. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.
Nausea or vomiting:
Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily, fried or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.
Headache:
Avoid bright lights, relax and take enough rest and drink more water. Apply pain-relieving balm on the forehead if necessary. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.
Dizziness:
Lie down until the dizziness passes away and then move slowly and carefully. Take plenty amount of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.
Constipation:
Take fiber-rich foods in your diets such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly and stay active. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
VALPEX CR is not recommended for use in pregnant women or if you are a woman of child-bearing potential you must use an effective method of contraception (birth control pill) during treatment with this medicine. Consult your doctor before taking VALPEX CR.
BREASTFEEDING
VALPEX CR should be used in breastfeeding women only if considered necessary as a very small amount of this medicine passes through breast milk, considering the benefit of breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman. Consult your doctor before taking VALPEX CR.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or use machines while taking VALPEX CR as it can make you feel sleepy.
ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol during treatment with VALPEX CR.
KIDNEY
VALPEX CR should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. The dose will be adjusted by your doctor depending on your kidney function. Consult your doctor before taking VALPEX CR.
LIVER
VALPEX CR is not recommended for use in patients with liver problems or with a family history of liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking VALPEX CR.
ALLERGY
Do not take VALPEX CR if you are allergic to Sodium valproate or any other ingredients of this medicine.
OTHERS
VALPEX CR is not recommended for use, if you have:
- porphyria
- metabolic disorder (such as urea cycle disorder)
- genetic problem caused by a mitochondrial disorder (Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome)
Before taking VALPEX CR, inform your doctor if you have:
- diabetes
- carnitine palmitoyl transferase type II deficiency
- brain disease or a metabolic condition affecting the brain
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (an immune system which affects skin, bones, joints and internal organs)
Use in pediatrics:
VALPEX CR should be used with caution in children. Consult your doctor before taking VALPEX CR.
Use in geriatrics:
VALPEX CR should be used with caution in the elderly. Consult your doctor before taking VALPEX CR.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking VALPEX CR, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines used for pain and inflammation (salicylates) (Ex. aspirin)
- other medicines used to treat fits (Ex. phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rufinamide, topiramate, acetazolamide, lamotrigine and felbamate)
- medicines used for thinning the blood (Ex. warfarin)
- zidovudine, lopinavir and ritonavir (used to treat HIV infection)
- temozolomide (used to treat cancer)
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) such as moclobemide, selegiline (used to treat depression) and linezolid (used to treat bacterial infections)
- medicines used to calm emotional and mental health problems (Ex. quetiapine, diazepam and olanzapine)
- nimodipine (used to treat bleeding in the brain)
- propofol (used as an anesthetic agent to induce sedation before surgery)
- oestrogen-containing products, including some birth control pills (used to prevent pregnancy)
- medicines used to prevent or treat malaria (Ex. mefloquine and chloroquine)
- cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers)
- carbapenem agents (antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections) Ex. imipenem, meropenem, rifampicin and erythromycin
- cholestyramine (used to lower cholesterol levels)
- metamizole (used to treat pain and fever)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of VALPEX CR, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are nausea or vomiting, pupils of the eye becoming smaller, dizziness, loss of consciousness, weak muscles and poor reflexes, breathing problems, headaches, fits (seizures), confusion, memory loss and unusual or inappropriate behavior.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Sodium Valproate |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Anti-convulsant |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Epilepsy (fits) |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Injection, Syrup, Oral solution |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep VALPEX CR out of reach from children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs ABOUT VALPEX CR
What is VALPEX CR used for?
VALPEX CR is used in the treatment of epilepsy (fits) in adults and children. Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness.
Can VALPEX CR be used in pregnant women?
VALPEX CR is not recommended for use in pregnant women or if you are a woman of child-bearing potential you must use an effective method of contraception (birth control pill) during treatment with this medicine. Consult your doctor before taking VALPEX CR.
What if I miss taking a dose of VALPEX CR?
You should take VALPEX CR immediately when you remember. If it is time for your next dose skip the missed dose and follow your regular dose schedule. Do not double the dose to match up your missed dose.
Can I drive while taking VALPEX CR?
Do not drive or use machines while taking VALPEX CR as it can make you feel sleepy and weaken your ability to drive. Consult your doctor before taking VALPEX CR.
Can VALPEX CR be used in kidney patients?
VALPEX CR should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. The dose will be adjusted by your doctor depending upon kidney function. Consult your doctor before taking VALPEX CR.
REFERENCES
1. KD Tripathi. Antiepileptic Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eighth Edition. 2019. Page – 444.
2. Pubchem. Sodium Valproate. [Accessed on 14th July 2022] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-valproate#:~:text=Valproate%20sodium%20is%20converted%20into,for%20the%20catabolism%20of%20GABA.
3. H. M. Emrich, D. v. Zerssen, W. Kissling, H. J. Moller and A. Windorfer. Effect of sodium valproate on mania. 1980. [Accessed on 14th July 2022] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00343800
4. R. M. Pinder, R. N. Brogden, T. M. Speight and G. S. Avery. Sodium Valproate: A Review of its Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Efficacy in Epilepsy. November 2012. [Accessed on 14th July 2022] https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-197713020-00001
5. Sanofi-aventis S.A. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2022] [Accessed on 14th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.519.pdf
6. Aspire Pharma Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in December 2021] [Accessed on 14th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11805.pdf
USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Blood tests
VIDEOS
Sodium Valproate TABLET - Drug Information
Sodium Valproate TABLET : Therapeutic Uses, Warning and Precautions, Interactions, Directions for Use, Side Effects and Storage
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