Encorate 500 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

Encorate 500 MG Tablet, manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd., is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to manage various neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Name

• Brand Name: Encorate 500 MG Tablet
• Common Name: Sodium Valproate

Composition

Each tablet contains Sodium Valproate 500 mg.

Uses

Encorate 500 MG Tablet is prescribed for a range of medical conditions:

• Epilepsy/Seizures: It is used to treat various types of seizures, including partial, absence (petit mal), generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal), myoclonic, and atonic seizures, by decreasing excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain.
• Bipolar Disorder: The medicine helps stabilize mood and manage manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, providing a calming effect.
• Migraine Prophylaxis: It is also used to prevent migraine headaches.

Dosage and Administration

Encorate 500 MG Tablet can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may help reduce nausea. The dosage is determined by the doctor based on the individual's condition and response to treatment. It is crucial to take the medicine regularly as prescribed and not to stop it suddenly, as this can worsen seizures or bipolar disorder.

• Adults: Initially, typically 600 mg daily in two divided doses, increasing by 200 mg/day at 3-day intervals to a maximum of 2.5 g daily in divided doses. The usual maintenance dose is 1-2 g daily (20-30 mg/kg daily).
• Children (over 20 kg): Initially 400 mg daily in divided doses, increased until control is achieved (usually in the range of 20-30 mg/kg daily); maximum 35 mg/kg daily.
• Children (up to 20 kg): Initially 20 mg/kg daily in divided doses.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, sleepiness
• Headache, tremors
• Weight gain
• Hair loss, skin rashes
• Irregular periods

Serious side effects, though less common, require immediate medical attention:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), characterized by severe abdominal pain.
• Liver problems (yellowing of eyes or skin).
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

Precautions

• Pregnancy: Encorate 500 MG Tablet is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to the potential risk of serious congenital disabilities such as neural tube defects. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception.
• Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor if breastfeeding, as the medicine may pass into breast milk.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase dizziness, sleepiness, and potentially harm the liver.
• Liver and Kidney Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney problems. Liver function should be monitored, especially during the first six months of therapy.
• Driving and Machinery: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to Sodium Valproate or any other components of the medicine.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking, as Encorate 500 MG Tablet can interact with various drugs including aspirin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, warfarin, SSRIs, tricyclics, and rifampicin.
• Other Conditions: Use with caution in patients with porphyria, urea cycle disorder, or mitochondrial disorders.

Storage

Store Encorate 500 MG Tablet at room temperature (below 30°C), protected from moisture and heat. Keep it in a tightly closed container and out of reach and sight of children and pets. Do not use expired or damaged medicines.

ENCORATE 500 MG TABLET FAQs

ENCORATE 500 MG TABLET, manufactured by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD., contains Divalproex sodium (also referred to as Valproate sodium or valproic acid) as its active ingredient. This medication is primarily used as an antiepileptic and mood-stabilizing medicine.

What is Encorate 500 mg Tablet used for?

Encorate 500 mg Tablet is primarily used to treat various types of seizures (epilepsy), including partial, absence, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is also prescribed as a mood stabilizer for manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for the prevention of migraine headaches.

How does Encorate 500 mg Tablet work?

Encorate 500 mg Tablet works by increasing the levels of a natural calming chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to reduce excessive and abnormal nerve activity. It may also stabilize neuronal activity by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels and modulating T-type calcium channels, thus preventing the rapid firing of nerve cells that can lead to seizures.

What is the usual dosage for Encorate 500 mg Tablet?

The dosage of Encorate 500 mg Tablet is highly individualized and determined by a doctor based on the patient's condition, age, and response to treatment. For epilepsy in adults and children aged 12 and over, typical daily doses range from 600mg to 2,000mg, taken once or split into two doses. Some individuals may require up to 2,500mg daily. For bipolar disorder, the usual adult dose is 750mg to 2,000mg a day, and for migraine prevention, it's typically 400mg to 1,500mg, split into two doses. It's crucial to follow the doctor's instructions and not to adjust the dose without consultation.

What are the possible side effects of Encorate 500 mg Tablet?

Common side effects often include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, sleepiness, tremors, and temporary hair loss. More serious, though less common, side effects can include liver problems, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), unusual bleeding or bruising, and changes in mood or behavior. It's important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness, or increased seizure frequency.

Is Encorate 500 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Encorate 500 mg Tablet (Divalproex sodium/Valproate) is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to a significant risk of birth defects (such as neural tube defects, heart defects, and facial malformations) and developmental problems (including lower IQ scores and neurodevelopmental disorders) in the unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception while taking this medication and should discuss a pregnancy prevention program with their doctor.

Regarding breastfeeding, small amounts of valproate pass into breast milk, but it typically does not cause side effects in breastfed babies. However, it's still advisable to monitor the infant for any signs of liver toxicity, such as jaundice or unusual bruising, and to consult a doctor before breastfeeding.

Can Encorate 500 mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Encorate 500 mg Tablet can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effects or increasing the risk of side effects. Notable interactions include:

• Other antiepileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, phenobarbital): Valproate can affect their levels and vice versa.
• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin): May increase the risk of bleeding.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., imipenem, meropenem): Can decrease valproate levels, reducing its effectiveness.
• CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol): Can increase drowsiness. Always inform your doctor about all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins, you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using Encorate 500 mg Tablet?

Several precautions should be observed:

• Liver Function: Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial, especially in the first six months of treatment, as serious liver problems can occur.
• Pancreatitis: Be aware of symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and report them immediately.
• Drowsiness/Dizziness: The medicine can cause these effects, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Mood Changes: Report any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, to your doctor.
• Weight Gain: Monitor your weight as it can be a potential side effect.
• Genetic Conditions: It is contraindicated in patients with urea cycle disorders or certain mitochondrial disorders.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase drowsiness.

What happens if a dose of Encorate 500 mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects. For epilepsy, consistent dosing is important, as missing doses can trigger seizures.

How should Encorate 500 mg Tablet be stored?

Encorate 500 mg Tablets should be stored at room temperature, below 25°C, and kept in their original protective foil until taken, as they are hygroscopic (absorb moisture). Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place, securely sealed, and away from incompatible materials, food, and out of reach of children.