Valex
Form: Syrup
Strength: 200mg/5ml
Generic Name: Sodium Valproate (valproic acid)
Company: Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 100.0 (100ml bot)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Valex is used to treat all types of epilepsy, including partial seizures, absence seizures (petit mal), generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal), myoclonic seizures, atonic seizures, and mixed seizures with absence attacks. Valex is also used to prevent febrile convulsions and post-traumatic epilepsy. Additionally, Valex is used to treat bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines.
Pharmacology
Valex contains Sodium Valproate, which has anti-epileptic effects against different types of seizures. The exact way Valex works is not fully understood, but Valex is believed to increase the brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps in controlling seizures.
Dosage & Administration
Oral: Sodium Valproate tablets can be taken once or twice daily, while the syrup should be divided into doses.
For Epilepsy:
Adult: Start with 600 mg daily in two doses, preferably after meals. Increase by 200 mg every 3 days, up to a maximum of 2.5 g daily, until seizure control is achieved. The usual maintenance dose is 1-2 g daily (20-30 mg/kg).
Children (over 20 kg): Start with 400 mg daily in divided doses, increasing until control (usually 20-30 mg/kg daily); maximum 35 mg/kg daily.
Children (up to 20 kg): Start with 20 mg/kg daily in divided doses.
For Febrile Convulsion: 20-30 mg/kg daily in three divided doses.
For Bipolar Disorder: Start with 600 mg daily (20-30 mg/kg), in 2-3 doses. Maintenance dose is 1000-2000 mg daily.
For Migraine Prophylaxis: 400-600 mg daily, though some may need 1000-1500 mg daily.
Injection: For adults, Valex may be given as a slow intravenous injection (400-800 mg depending on body weight), followed by infusion, up to a maximum of 2500 mg/day. For children, initial dose is 20-30 mg/kg daily, maximum 40 mg/kg/day.
Interaction
Valex can affect the metabolism of other drugs. Some drugs that interact with Valex include Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Warfarin, and Aspirin.
Contraindications
Valex is not recommended for people with hypersensitivity to the drug or liver dysfunction. Its use is limited during pregnancy and for women who may become pregnant.
Side Effects
Common side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. These can be reduced by using enteric-coated tablets. Valex may also cause sedation, lack of coordination, and tremors, but these usually go away by reducing the dose. Some people may also experience a rash, hair loss, and increased appetite. Valex can affect liver function, leading to increased liver enzymes in the blood, especially in the first few months. Rarely, Valex can cause severe liver problems, especially in children under 2 years or those taking other medications for epilepsy. Acute pancreatitis and high ammonia levels are also linked with its use.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Valex can cross the placenta, and using Valex in the first trimester has been linked to neural tube defects in babies. Pregnant women using Valex should have their alpha-fetoprotein levels tested. Valex is also passed into breast milk, but breastfeeding is generally safe. However, caution is advised, as some risks to the baby may still exist.
Precautions & Warnings
Before starting treatment, liver function should be checked, especially in high-risk patients. Valex is important to ensure there are no bleeding risks before surgery. Caution should be used for those with kidney problems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with lupus. Sodium Valproate can affect urine ketone tests, and sudden discontinuation of the drug should be avoided. Valex is not recommended during pregnancy or for women who could become pregnant.
Overdose Effects
Not available.
Therapeutic Class
Valex belongs to primary anti-epileptic drugs.
Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light, and keep out of reach of children.
Similar Brands of Sodium Valproate (valproic acid) (Syrup – 200mg/5ml)
| Brand Name | Form | Strength | Company | MRP (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convules | Syrup | 200mg/5ml | Opsonin Pharma Limited | 85.0 |
| Epilim | Syrup | 200mg/5ml | Sanofi Bangladesh Ltd. | 80.54 |
| Eval | Syrup | 200mg/5ml | Unimed Unihealth Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 90.0 |
| Proval | Syrup | 200mg/5ml | General Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 75.51 |
| Valoate | Syrup | 200mg/5ml | Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 100.3 |
| Valporin | Syrup | 200mg/5ml | Renata Limited | 80.0 |
| Valpro | Syrup | 200mg/5ml | Somatec Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 75.28 |