Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Drugs & Medications > Detailed Drug Information (USP DI) > Valproic Acid

Valproic Acid (Systemic)

Description and Brand Names | Before Using | Proper Use | Precautions | Side Effects


Category
  • Anticonvulsant—Divalproex; Valproate Sodium; Valproic Acid
  • Antimanic—Divalproex
  • Migraine headache prophylactic—Divalproex
Description

Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex belong to the group of medicines called anticonvulsants. They are used to control certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex may be used alone or with other seizure medicine. Divalproex is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), and to help prevent migraine headaches.

Divalproex and valproate sodium form valproic acid in the body. Therefore, the following information applies to all of these medicines.

These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

    Oral
  • Divalproex
    • Delayed-release capsules (U.S.)
    • Delayed-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)
  • Valproic Acid
    • Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
    • Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
    Parenteral
  • Valproate Sodium
    • Injection (U.S.)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

  • Depacon 2
  • Depakene 3
  • Depakote 1
  • Depakote Sprinkle 1

In Canada—

  • Alti-Valproic 3
  • Depakene 3
  • Deproic 3
  • Dom-Valproic 3
  • Epival 1
  • Med Valproic 3
  • Novo-Valproic 3
  • Nu-Valproic 3
  • Penta-Valproic 3
  • pms-Valproic Acid 3
  • pms-Valproic Acid E.C. 3

Note:

For quick reference, the following medicines are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.

This information applies to the following medicines:
1. Divalproex (dye-VAL-pro-ex)
2. Valproate Sodium (val-PRO-ate SO-dee-um)†
3. Valproic Acid (val-PRO-ic acid)‡
† Not commercially available in Canada
‡ Generic name product may be available in the U.S.

   

Next section

   

Valproic Acid: Before Using

Date Revised: 11/11/2003









Content provided by Thomson MICROMEDEX
Micromedex, Inc. Disclaimer
Copyright © 2006 Thomson MICROMEDEX. All rights reserved. USP DI® and Advice for the Patient® are registered trademarks of USP used under license to Micromedex, a business of Thomson Healthcare Inc. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
Contact Us | Link to Us

HONcode accreditation seal.

We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006