Valproic Acid
Valproic Acid is agent that is chemically related to free fatty acids and is used
in the treatment of generalized, partial, and absence (petit mal) seizures.
Now available in intravenous, as well as oral, form, valproic acid can be used
for the acute treatment and chronic prophylaxis of seizures.
Also a useful agent for the treatment of bipolar affective disorders and the
prevention of migraine headaches.
In children 612 years old, oral clearance and half-life equal 1020
mL/h/kg and 68 hours
Clearance rates can be higher and half-lives shorter in patients
receiving other hepatic drugmetabolizing enzyme inducers
For adults receiving other antiepileptic drugs that are enzyme
inducers, valproic acid clearance
adults is 1518 mL/h/kg and half-lives range from 4 to 12 hours
METHODS
Pharmacokinetic dosing method
CLEARANCE ESTIMATE
VOLUME OF DISTRIBUTION ESTIMATE
HALF-LIFE AND ELIMINATION RATE CONSTANT ESTIMATE
SELECTION OF APPROPRIATE PHARMACOKINETIC MODEL AND
EQUATIONS
Literature-Based Recommended Dosing