Valproic acid (Depacon, Depakene, Depakote); Anticonvulsant; Cap (Depakene): 250 mg
Cap, sprinkles (Depakote Sprinkles): 125 mg
Inj (Depakene): 100 mg/mL [5 mL]
Syr: 250 mg/5 mL
Tab, DR (Depakote): 125, 250, 500 mg
Tab, ER (Depakote-ER): 500 mg
Seizures:
PO: Initially 10-15 mg/kg/day qd-tid; increase 5-10 mg/kg/day q1wk to maintenance (usual range 30-60 mg/kg/day bid-tid, may require up to 100
mg/kg/day in combination with other anticonvulsants)
PR: May use oral syrup rectally (dilute 1:1 with water): loading dose 17-20 mg/kg, maintenance dose 10-15 mg/kg/dose q8h
IV: 10-60 mg/kg/day
IV q6h; if already stable on oral regimen but now NPO, use same mg/kg/day as oral but divide q6h.
Therapeutic
Serum Levels: 50-100 mcg/mL
Prophylaxis of migraine headaches:
Depakote-ER only approved dosage form: adults 500 mg PO qd x 7 days, may increase to 1000 mg PO qd if needed
Life-threatening
pancreatitis may occur. Monitor liver enzymes and CBC.