Epilex
Brand names,
Epilex
Analogs
Epilex
Brand Names Mixture
Epilex
Chemical_Formula
C8H16O2
Epilex
RX_link
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/depakene.htm
Epilex
fda sheet
Epilex
msds (material safety sheet)
Epilex
Synthesis Reference
Oberreit, Ber.29, 1998 (1896)
Epilex
Molecular Weight
144.211 g/mol
Epilex
Melting Point
120 - 130 oC
Epilex
H2O Solubility
Slightly soluble (1.3 mg/mL)
Epilex
State
Solid
Epilex
LogP
2.549
Epilex
Dosage Forms
Capsule (250 mg); Syrup (250 mg drug/5mL syrup)
Epilex
Indication
For use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types which include absence seizures.
Epilex
Pharmacology
Valproic Acid is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat migraine headaches and schizophrenia. In epileptics, valproic acid is used to control absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal), complex partial seizures, and the seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Valproic Acid is believed to affect the function of the neurotransmitter GABA (as a GABA transaminase inhibitor) in the human brain. Valproic Acid dissociates to the valproate ion in the gastrointestinal tract. Valproic acid has also been shown to be an inhibitor of an enzyme called histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). HDAC1 is needed for HIV to remain in infected cells. A study published in August 2005 revealed that patients treated with valproic acid in addition to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) showed a 75% reduction in latent HIV infection.
Epilex
Absorption
Rapid absorption from gastrointestinal tract.
Epilex
side effects and Toxicity
Oral, mouse: LD50 = 1098 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD50 = 670 mg/kg. Symptoms of overdose may include coma, extreme drowsiness, and heart problems.
Epilex
Patient Information
Since valproate products may produce CNS depression, especially when combined with another CNS depressant (eg, alcohol), patients should be advised not to engage in hazardous activities, such as driving an automobile or operating dangerous machinery, until it is known that they do not become drowsy from the drug.
Epilex
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals