Valproic acid capsules

MISSELLANEOUS ANTICONVULSANTS. Valproic acid (Depakene) is unrelated chemically to the other anticonvulsants. This drug is absorbed rapidly when taken orally Tablets should not be chewed but swallowed whole to avoid irritation to the mouth and throat. The capsules may be opened and the drug sprinkled on a small amount of food, such as pudding or applesauce This mixture must be swallowed whole immediately and not chewed. Zonisamide is administered orally once a day or in divided doses. The dose may be increased by 100 mg day every 1 to 2 weeks until control of the seizures is obtained or the patient reaches the maximum dosage of 600 mg/d. 

Valproic acid Depakene, Capsules 250 mg A loading dose of divalproex ... 

The United States Pharmacopoeia [12] describes two tests for the identification of valproic acid in its formulations (capsules or syrup). 

Place a portion of capsules contents or place a volume of syrup, equivalent to about 250 mg of valproic acid, in a separator. Add 20 mL of 1.0 M sodium hydroxide shake and allow the layers to separate. Transfer the aqueous layer to a second separator, add 4.0 mL of hydrochloric acid, mix, and extract with 40 mL -heptane. Filter the w-heptane layer through glass wool into a beaker, and evaporate the... 

Assay preparation. Transfer not less than 20 Capsules to a blender jar or other container, and add about 150 mL of methylene chloride, and cool in a solid carbon dioxide acetone mixture until the contents have solidified. If necessary, transfer the mixture of capsules and methylene chloride to a blender jar, and blend with high-speed blender until all the solids are reduced to fine particles. Transfer the mixture to a 500-mL volumetric flask, add n-heptane to volume, mix, and allow solids to settle. Transfer an accurately measured volume of this solution, equivalent to 250 mg of valproic acid, to a 100 mL volumetric flask, dilute with w-heptane to volume, and mix. Transfer 5.0 mL to a container equipped with a closure. Add 2.0 mL of the internal standard solution, close the container, and mix. 

Procedure. Separately inject about 2.0 pL each of the standard preparation and the assay preparation, record the chromatograms, and measure the peak responses, for valproic acid and biphenyl peaks. Calculate the quantity, in mg, of C8H1602 in the portion of capsules taken using the following formula ... 

Internal standard solution, standard preparation, and chromatographic system are prepared as directed in the assay under valproic acid capsules. 

Capsules 250 mg (valproic acid) (Rx) Various, Depakene (Abbott)... 

Oral products Bedtime administration may minimize effects of CNS depression. Gl irritation may be minimized by taking with food or by slowly increasing the dose. Delayed-release divalproex sodium may reduce the incidence of irritative Gl effects. Swallow the extended-release tablets whole do not crush or chew. Swallow the valproic acid capsules without chewing to avoid local irritation of the mouth and throat. 

Valproic acid syrup or capsule dosing The following table is a guide for the initial... 

Valproic Acid Syrup and Capsule Initial Dosing Guide ... 

Absorption - /a pro c acid is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the Gl tract. Absorption of the drug is delayed but not decreased by administration with meals administration of the drug with milk products does not affect the rate or degree of absorption. The bioavailability of valproate from divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets and capsules containing coated particles has been shown to be equivalent to that of valproic acid capsules. 

Divalproex sodium (Depakote, 125-, 250-, 500-mg tablets 125-mg sprinkle capsules) Valproate sodium injection (Depacon) Valproic acid (Depakene, 250-mg capsules ... 

The sodium salt of valproate is marketed in Europe as a tablet and is quite hygroscopic. In Central and South America, the magnesium salt is available, which is considerably less hygroscopic. The free acid of valproate was first marketed in the USA in a capsule containing corn oil the sodium salt is also available in syrup, primarily for pediatric use. An enteric-coated tablet of divalproex sodium is also marketed in the USA. This improved product, a 1 1 coordination compound of valproic acid and sodium valproate, is as bioavailable as the capsule but is absorbed much more slowly and is preferred by many patients. Peak concentrations following administration of the enteric-coated tablets are seen in 3-4 hours. Various extended-release preparations are available not all are bioequivalent and may require dosage adjustment. 

Oral 150 mg chewable tablets 300 mg capsules 40 mg/mL solution Valproic acid (generic, Depakene)... 

Valproic acid is a carboxylic acid designated as 2-propyl-pentanoic acid. It is also known as dipropylacetic acid. Capsules and syrup are antiepileptics for oral administration. Each soft elastic capsule contains 250 mg valproic acid. 

An enteric-coated tablet of divalproex sodium is also marketed in the USA. This improved product, a 1 1 coordination compound of valproic acid and sodium valproate, is as bioavailable as the capsule but is absorbed much more slowly and is preferred by most patients. Peak concentrations following administration of the enteric-coated tablets are seen in 3-4 hours. 

Lithium carbonate (generic, Eskalith) (Note 300 mg lithium carbonate = 8.12 meq Li+.) Oral 150, 300, 600 mg capsules 300 mg tablets 8 meq/5 mL syrup Oral sustained-release 300, 450 mg tablets Valproic acid (generic, Depakene)... 

Valproic acid—125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg delayed-release tablets 125 mg and 250 mg capsules 250 mg/tsp liquid. Brand names include Depakote and Depakene. 

Tablets, extended release (500 mg) Injection [100 mg/mL (as valproic acid)] Capsules (250 mg)...

Corn oil solubilizes 250 mg of valproic acid, an anticonvulsant with an intrinsic water solubility of 1.3 mg/mL, in Depakene soft gelatin capsules available in the USA. In the UK, valproic acid is formulated as a solution in meditmi-chain triglycerides as 100-mg, 200-mg and 500-mg Convulex enteric coated soft gelatin capsules, where it has been available since 1991. The dose of valproic acid is 600 mg to 2500 mg (two to ten capsules) daily, and both products should be stored at controlled room temperature. 

Pharmacokinetics. Valproic acid appears to be absorbed completely from available oral dosage forms when administered on an empty stomach. However, the rate of absorption differs among preparations. Peak concentrations occur in 0.5 to 1 hour with the syrup, 1 to 3 hours with the capsule, and 2 to 6 hours with the enteric-coated tablet. The extended-release formulation (Depakote-ER) is FDA approved for use in both patients with migraine headache and epilepsy. It should be noted, however, that the bioavailability of this formulation is approximately 15% less than that of enteric-coated divalproex sodium (Depakote). 

Valproic acid is available as a soft gelatin capsule, an enteric-coated tablet, a syrup, a sprinkle, an extended-release formulation... 

Sample preparation Weigh out capsule contents equivalent to 250 mg valproic acid, add 80 mL MeOH, sonicate for 10 min, make up to 100 mL with MeOH, filter, allow to settle for 30 min. Dilute a 4 mL aliquot to 100 mL with mobile phase. Mix a 20 mL ahquot of the diluted solution with 10 mL 50 pg/mL ibuprofen in mobile phase, make up to 100 mL with mobile phase, inject a 50 pL ahquot. 

When nausea and vomiting occur in patients with any illness, a chronic oral medication may be temporarily replaced by the same active substance in a rectal dosage form so a hydrocortisone suppository may replace hydrocortisone in tablet or capsule a carbamaze-pine suppository may replace carbamazepine and a valproic acid suppository sodium valproate in syrup, tablet or capsule. 

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