Valproate

General information

Indicated for: Valproate sodium injection is indicated as an intravenous alternative in patients in whom oral administration of valproate products is temporarily not feasible in the following conditions:

Dosing & forms

• Forms/strengths: —
• Frequency: —
• Food: —
• Typical range: 750–2500 mg/day (titrate to level/response)
• Therapeutic range: 50000–125000 ng/mL

Mechanism (brief)

Increases GABA; modulates sodium/calcium channels.

Metabolism & Half‑life

• Metabolism: Hepatic (UGT, beta-oxidation), inhibitor of several enzymes.
• Half‑life: ~9–16 h (adult).

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

Recommended: Yes

Reference range: 50000–125000 ng/mL

Sampling: Trough 3–5 days after dose change

Monitoring highlights

• Serum valproate level — 3–5 days after change; periodically
• LFTs, CBC — Baseline and periodically

In‑depth reading

• Valproate monitoring and safety: guideline/consensus — Guideline (2018)
• CANMAT and ISBD 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. — Bipolar Disorders (2018)

Sources

• Valproate label — DailyMed (2025)