Uses of Alpovic

Alpovic medicine has the main ingredient valproic acid, which is a fatty acid derivative with anti-epileptic effects. The mechanism of action of valproate is through the inhibitor of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Valproate may increase GABA concentrations by inhibiting GABA metabolism or increasing postsynaptic GABA activity. Therefore, valproate can be used in many types of seizures. In terms of pharmacokinetics, valproate is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, when taken with food the drug is absorbed more slowly, but does not affect the total amount absorbed. Valproate is highly bound to plasma proteins at therapeutic doses but the binding is concentration dependent and decreases at high valproate concentrations. This association varies from patient to patient and may be affected by fatty acids or strong binding drugs such as salicylates. Valproate is metabolized mainly in the liver to form major metabolites such as glucuronide, 2-propyl-3-ceto-pentanoic acid, ... and finally excreted mainly in the urine.
Alpovic drugs are usually indicated in the following cases:
Absence seizures Convulsions in children Myoclonic seizures, generalized convulsive seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, febrile convulsions The drug is contraindicated in the disease. Patients with hypersensitivity to any ingredient of Alpovic, pregnant women and patients with liver failure, acute or chronic hepatitis, porphyria.

Depending on the subjects and treatment goals, the dose of Alpovic will be different, specifically as follows:
Adults: 600 mg/day, gradually increasing 200 mg/3 days until the usual effect is achieved. is 1000-2000 mg/day or 20-30 mg/kg Children > 20 kg: 400 mg/day gradually increased until control is usually 20-30 mg/kg/day

In some patients when using Alpovic, side effects may occur such as:
Nausea, vomiting, indigestion Sedation, tremor, headache Eyeball convulsions, double vision Dizziness Erythema, hair loss Decreased hair loss platelets Liver damage

Some general notes when using Alpovic drugs include:
When taking the drug, it is necessary to swallow the whole tablet, not chew it or crush it to avoid reducing the effect of the drug Be careful when using the drug for children under 3 years old, women Pregnancy and patients with renal impairment Caution should be exercised in interactions of Alpovic with other neuroleptics, MAOIs, antidepressants, anticoagulants, salicylate, phenytoin, anticonvulsants, cimetidine.