MVCC Drug Card

EricaS, Kim C, Ryan

Generic Name Trade Name Pronunciation Classification
Depakene Valproic Acid Val-pro-ik Ass-id Anticonvulsant, GABA agonist
Dose Route Time/frequenc Normal dosage range
250 mg Oral y 5, 10, 15 mg for about a week depending on what type of
syrup BID seizure happened. Do not exceed 250 mg in one dose
Onset Peak Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
15-30 min ? Half life N/A
5-20hrs
Why is your patient getting this medication Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Used to treat absence seizures and complex Contraindications/warnings/interactions
partial seizures. Used for Alzheimer’s and Patients with hypersensitivity should not get this drug.
explosive behavior Bleeding disorders, cirrhosis, congenital metabolic disorders,
Mechanism of action and indications and autoimmune deficiency syndrome. Patients with known or
(Why med ordered - include pathophysiology) suspected pancreatitis. Caution should be used if patient has
Valproic acid increases concentrations of the low serum albumin and renal impairment. Patient has hepatic
inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. impairment. Abrupt discontinuation may cause status
Abnormal neuron discharges are suppressed, epilepticus.
leading to decreased seizure activity. This will Common side effects
help with the Alzheimer’s disease as well. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, diminished
appetite
Slim possibility of headache, tremor, dizziness, and sedation.
High doses can cause diminished platelet aggregation which
leads to slow bleeding and clotting.
Rare adverse effects include bone marrow depression,
photosensitivity, and pulmonary edema.
Black box- Hepatotoxicity, and possibly pancreatitis
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC Lab value alterations caused by medicine
or herbal medicines Watch liver function, blood counts, coagulation tests,
May decrease effects of Lorazepam. depression level, and fluid intake.
Works together with the effects of Olanzapine. Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
Herbal- Ginkgo may decrease the antiepileptic medication
effects of valproic acid. Do not change brands of valproic acid without talking to MD.
No alcohol.
Do not discontinue suddenly or epilepticus may happen
Take with food to help GI
Report signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity or pancreatitis.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment, Why would you hold or not give Check after giving med
Vital this med? Liver function
signs, lab values, etc)) GI issues Blood counts
? Changes in mood or behavior Coagulation tests
When we see them and when we Blood count is too low Depression level
take vitals. Liver function is declined Fluid intake
Changes in mood or behavior
Adams, M., Urban, C. (2013) Pharmacology; Connections to nursing practice. New Jersey, Upper Saddle River: Pearson.

Valporic Acid (Depakene). (2015) Micromedex (Version 1.10b155) [Mobile application software]. Retrieved from

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