Acarbose Valproate

VALPROATE ANTIDIABETIC DRUGS -ACARBOSE Case of 1 valproate levels Uncertain Monitor valproate levels... 

An epileptic patient taking sodium valproate for 10 years had a 40% fall in his normally stable plasma levels from 67 to 40.5 mierograms/mL when acarbose was added. No other drugs were being taken. When the acarbose was stopped and then restarted, the valproate levels rose and then fell once again. The reason is not understood but the authors of the report suggest that the acarbose possibly reduces the absorption of valproate. This is an isolated report and its general importance is unknown, but it would seem prudent to be alert for any evidence of reduced effects if acarbose is added to valproate treatment. 

Serrano JS, Jimenez CM, Serrano MI, Garrido H, Balboa B. May acarbose impair valproate Me iods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 99 ) 18 (Suppl C), 98. 

An isolated case report describes reduced valproate levels in a patient taking acarbose. 

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