Rapid infusion with valproate sodium is well tolerated in patients with epilepsy.
Many IV antiepileptic drugs administered in emergency situations to patients with prolonged seizures have serious adverse effects. For this reason, the authors conducted a multicenter, open-label, prospective, dose-escalation study of IV valproate sodium administered to patients with epilepsy at rates of infusion of up to 6 mg/kg/minute and doses of up to 30 mg/kg. Valproate sodium had no clinically significant negative effects on blood pressure and pulse rate and caused only mild-to-moderate, reversible adverse events.
Wheless
J W
JW
Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, USA.
Vazquez
B R
BR
Kanner
A M
AM
Ramsay
R E
RE
Morton
L
L
Pellock
J M
JM
D000208:Acute Disease; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid