title: Monodose versus 3 daily doses of sodium valproate: a controlled trial.
abstract: 12 patients with absence epilepsy were treated with alternatively 1 or 3 daily doses of sodium valproate (VPA) in a double-blind cross-over design. Seizure frequency, EEG paroxysmal activity, clinical side-effects and laboratory findings were assessed for both treatment periods. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 dosage schedules, and the simplicity of monodose treatment is an important factor in good patient compliance. The apparent discrepancy between plasma half-life and biological action of VPA is discussed.
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D011897:Random Allocation; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014635:Valproic Acid