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Epilin 300mg (Tablet)

Manufactured by: Sanofi Aventis (BD) Ltd.

Sodium Valproate (valproic acid) Similar medicine

Epilin is indicated for

  • Epilepsy
  • Partial seizures
  • Absence seizures (petit mal)
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal)
  • Myoclonic seizures
  • Atonic seizures
  • Mixed seizures
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Febrile convulsion
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Panic attack
  • Migraine
  • bipolar disorder

Precautions and warnings

Before using sodium valproate (valproic acid), patients should take the following precautions:

Inform their healthcare provider about any allergies or previous adverse reactions to valproic acid or other medications.

Inform their healthcare provider about any medical conditions they have, especially liver disease, pancreatitis, or bleeding disorders.

Inform their healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal products they are currently taking, as they may interact with valproic acid.

Follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by their healthcare provider and do not exceed the recommended dose.

Take valproic acid with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset and to improve its absorption.

Avoid alcohol while taking valproic acid, as it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and liver damage.

Avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until they know how valproic acid affects them.

Monitor for signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and abdominal pain. If any of these symptoms occur, patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of valproic acid with their healthcare provider, as it may cause birth defects or other complications during pregnancy.

Women who are breastfeeding should also discuss the risks and benefits of valproic acid with their healthcare provider, as it can pass into breast milk and may harm the baby.

Side-effects

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • ataxia
  • tremor
  • Rash
  • alopecia
  • stimulation of appetite
  • acute pancreatitis
  • hyperammonemia

Drug Interactions

Sodium valproate (valproic acid) can interact with several medications, supplements, and foods. Here are some examples:

Carbapenem antibiotics: Carbapenem antibiotics, such as meropenem and imipenem, can reduce the effectiveness of sodium valproate by increasing its metabolism and clearance from the body. This can lead to decreased serum levels of sodium valproate, potentially reducing its therapeutic effect.

Other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs): Sodium valproate can interact with other AEDs, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. These drugs can affect the metabolism and clearance of sodium valproate, potentially leading to decreased or increased serum levels of the drug, which can affect its therapeutic effect or increase the risk of side effects.

Aspirin: Aspirin can increase the serum levels of sodium valproate by inhibiting its metabolism and clearance from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.

Warfarin: Sodium valproate can increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by displacing it from protein binding sites in the blood, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.

Alcohol: Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of sodium valproate, potentially leading to drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.

Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can increase the serum levels of sodium valproate by inhibiting its metabolism and clearance from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.

Potentially Fatal: Concomitant carbapenem is not recommended as this may decrease valproate levels. Avoid concurrent salicylates in childn

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity: Sodium valproate should not be used in patients who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to valproic acid or any of its components.

Liver disease: Sodium valproate can cause liver damage or failure, and should not be used in patients with liver disease or a history of liver damage.

Urea cycle disorders: Sodium valproate can worsen the symptoms of urea cycle disorders, a group of genetic disorders that affect the metabolism of nitrogen in the body. It should not be used in patients with a history of urea cycle disorders.

Mitochondrial disorders: Sodium valproate can worsen the symptoms of mitochondrial disorders, a group of genetic disorders that affect the production of energy in the body. It should not be used in patients with a history of mitochondrial disorders.

Pancreatitis: Sodium valproate can cause pancreatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. It should not be used in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Pregnancy: Sodium valproate can cause birth defects and other complications during pregnancy, and should not be used in pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant, unless there are no alternative treatment options.

Breastfeeding: Sodium valproate can pass into breast milk and harm the baby, and should not be used in women who are breastfeeding.

Mode of actions

The exact mode of action of sodium valproate (valproic acid) is not fully understood, but it is believed to work through multiple mechanisms.

One of its main mechanisms of action is thought to involve the inhibition of the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), which is involved in the regulation of gene expression. By inhibiting HDAC, sodium valproate can increase the acetylation of histones, leading to changes in gene expression that may be beneficial in treating certain neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Sodium valproate is also known to increase the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate the activity of neurons. By increasing GABA levels, sodium valproate can reduce the excitability of neurons and help to prevent seizures and migraines.

In addition, sodium valproate has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which may help to protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Dosage & Administration

Prolong release formulation of sodium Valproate may be given once or twice daily.

Epilepsy: Adults -Initially 600 mg daily given in 2 divided doses, preferably after food, increasing by 200 mg/day at 3-day intervals to a maximum of 2.5 g daily in divided doses until control of seizure is achieved. Usual maintenance dose is 1-2 g daily (20-30 mg/kg daily).

Children Initially 20 mg/kg daily in divided doses, may be increased (up to 20 kg) provided plasma concentrations monitored (above 40 mg/kg daily also monitor clinical chemistry and hematological parameters).

Children Initially 400 mg daily in divided doses increased until control (0ver 20 kg) (usually in the range of 20-30 mg/kg daily); Maximum 35 mg/kg daily.

Febrile convulsion20-30 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses.

Bipolar disorder initially 20-30 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses; adjust dosage in 3-5 days. Maintenance dosage is 1000-2000 mg/day.

Prophylaxis of migraine 300 mg twice daily, although some may require 1000 mg daily.

Hepatic impairment: Contraindicated.

Pregnancy & Lactation

This medicine is not allowed during pregnancy. Do not use it if you are pregnant. It can be absorbed through the skin and lungs caused can damage your unborn child’s organs and cause congenital disabilities. Strict effective birth control during treatment and for six months after stopping this medicine. If you do become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and discuss your doctor right away.

There is no specific information on whether this medicine passes into breast milk or not. Considering the possible risks for the children, breastfeeding while using this medicine is not recommended and at least two weeks after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Pack Size & Price

Price : ৳

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