title: Intravenous valproate is well tolerated in unstable patients with status epilepticus.
abstract: The authors reviewed hospital records of 13 patients with status epilepticus and hypotension who received IV valproate therapy. Most patients were elderly (74.4 +/- 12.5 [SD] years) and received a loading dose of valproate of 25.1 +/- 5.0 mg/kg (range 14.7 to 32.7), at a rate of 36.6 +/- 25.1 mg/min (range 6.3 to 100). There were no significant changes in blood pressure, pulse, or use of vasopressors. The data suggest that valproate loading is well tolerated, even in patients with cardiovascular instability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield 62794-9637, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sinha
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Naritoku
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D014635:Valproic Acid