Valproic acid

valproic acid
IUPAC name: Synonyms: Abbott-44089; 2-Propylpentanoic acid; 2-Propylvaleric acid; di-n-dipropylacetic acid Formula: C8H16O2
Uses:	anticonvulsant
Properties:	fatty acid derivative
Hazards:
Mass (g/mol): CAS #: 144.2 99-66-1

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
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Valproic acid is a medication that is "a fatty acid with anticonvulsant properties used in the treatment of epilepsy; the sodium salt is used in treating mood disorders. It also is used for neurogenic pain.

The mechanisms of its therapeutic actions are not well understood. It may act by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the brain or by altering the properties of voltage dependent sodium channels."

Side effects

Valproic acid causes carnitine deficiency. All patients under valproate therapy should have their carnitine status monitored. Since available tests are not reliable indicators of carnitine status in tissues, prophylactic carnitine therapy can be considered. Intravenous carnitine is markedly superior to oral; oral acetylcarnitine may be advantageously used as well, if the underlying disorder allows it.

Benign hand tremor is not infrequent as a side effect, and can be suppressed, if there are no contraindications to their use, with beta-adrenergic antagonists.

External links

Valproic acid - FDA approved drug information (drug label) from DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).