SODIUM VALPROATE INJECTION

What is Sodium Valproate Injection?

Sodium Valproate Injection is a medicine used in the treatment of seizures, epilepsy, and sometimes bipolar disorder. It is an anticonvulsant, which means it helps control abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This injection is especially helpful when oral tablets or capsules can’t be taken, such as during surgery, emergencies, or when someone is unconscious.

Doctors often use Sodium Valproate Injection in hospitals as a quick and effective way to manage serious seizures, like status epilepticus (a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or having multiple seizures without regaining consciousness in between).

What is Sodium Valproate Injection Used For?

Sodium Valproate Injection has several medical uses:

Epilepsy: To control different types of seizures (generalized, partial, absence seizures)
Status Epilepticus: A medical emergency involving continuous or repeated seizures
Bipolar Disorder (in special cases): To manage episodes of mania
Migraine Prevention (rare injectable use): Occasionally used in a hospital setting

Ingredients in Sodium Valproate Injection

The main active ingredient is Sodium Valproate or sometimes Valproic Acid

Other ingredients may include: Water for injection, pH adjusters like sodium hydroxide, Stabilizers or buffers (varies by brand)

How Does Sodium Valproate Injection Work?

Your brain has electrical signals that control how your body moves, thinks, and reacts. In people with epilepsy, these signals can become irregular and cause seizures.

Sodium Valproate works by:

Increasing GABA: A chemical in the brain that calms nerve activity
Blocking voltage-sensitive sodium channels: This reduces the over-firing of neurons (nerve cells)

Together, these effects help to calm the brain’s electrical activity, preventing or stopping seizures.

How Quickly Does It Work?

Sodium Valproate Injection works very quickly, often within a few minutes when given through a vein (intravenous or IV). This is why it’s a first-line treatment for seizures in emergency settings. The rapid action makes it ideal for situations where waiting for a tablet to digest would take too long.

Sodium Valproate Injection Recommended Dosage

The dosage of Sodium Valproate Injection depends on the following factors; The condition being treated (e.g., epilepsy, status epilepticus), your age and body weight, your medical history, and other medicines you’re taking

Common dosages (IV use):

Loading dose: 15–30 mg/kg as a single slow injection or infusion
Maintenance dose: 20–30 mg/kg per day divided into several doses

Possible Side Effects

Nausea or vomiting
Sleepiness or drowsiness
Dizziness
Shaking (tremors)
Hair thinning or loss (reversible)
Changes in weight
Diarrhea or stomach pain
Liver problems
Pancreatitis
Blood problems
Allergic reactions
Mood changes or suicidal thoughts

Who Should Not Use Sodium Valproate Injection?

This medicine may not be safe for everyone. Avoid it if you:

Are pregnant (unless absolutely necessary)
Have liver problems
Drug Interactions

Can Sodium Valproate Injection be used at home?

No, it is usually given by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It’s not intended for home use unless supervised by a trained caregiver.

How long does the effect last?

The effects of a single injection can last for several hours, depending on your metabolism and the dose. Long-term treatment usually involves switching to oral tablets once the emergency is under control.

Is it addictive?

No, Sodium Valproate is not addictive. It doesn’t produce a “high” or cravings like some other medications.

Can I drive after receiving the injection?

You should not drive or operate machinery until the effects wear off. Drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision can affect your ability to drive safely.

Can children use Sodium Valproate Injection?

Yes, but it must be prescribed and monitored carefully by a pediatrician. Young children are at a higher risk of liver damage, so regular blood tests are required.