Valprid Cr 300

VALPRID CR 300 by MICRO LABS LIMITED

Name

Brand Name: Valprid-CR 300 mg Tablet Common Names: Sodium Valproate, Valproic Acid

Composition

Valprid CR 300 mg Tablet is a controlled-release (CR) formulation containing a combination of active ingredients: Sodium Valproate (200 mg) and Valproic Acid (87 mg), for a total of 300 mg of active ingredient. These components work together to regulate nerve activity in the brain.

Uses

Valprid CR 300 is prescribed for the management of various neurological and psychiatric conditions:

• Epilepsy/Seizures: Used as sole or adjunctive therapy to treat various types of seizures, including generalized seizures, partial seizures, myoclonic seizures, and absence seizures, by decreasing excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain.
• Bipolar Disorder: Utilized as a mood stabilizer to prevent manic episodes and control mood swings, thereby treating mood disorders.
• Migraine Prophylaxis: Helps in the prevention of migraine headaches.

Dosage and Administration

Take Valprid CR 300 exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not chewed, crushed, or broken.
• It can be taken with or without food; however, taking it with food may help reduce stomach irritation.
• For epilepsy, the typical starting dose is 10-15 mg/kg per day, gradually increased as needed.
• For bipolar disorder, the starting dose may be around 750 mg/day.
• For migraine, adults usually start with 200 mg to 400 mg per day, taken in divided doses.
• Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. A once-daily dose can be taken at bedtime to minimize effects of central nervous system (CNS) depression.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to worsening of seizures or withdrawal symptoms.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, increased appetite)
• Headache, dizziness, fatigue, tiredness, sleepiness, tremors
• Weight gain, hair loss, dry mouth
• Impaired coordination, apathy, irregular periods

Serious side effects, though rare, warrant immediate medical attention:

• Liver problems (e.g., jaundice, severe abdominal pain)
• Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain or swelling)
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing)
• Unusual mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or depression

Precautions

• Pregnancy: Valprid CR 300 is considered unsafe during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category D) as it carries a definite risk of serious birth defects. Effective contraception should be used by individuals of child-bearing age.
• Liver Function: This medicine is contraindicated in patients with liver problems or a history of significant hepatic dysfunction. Regular monitoring of liver function is crucial during treatment.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol while taking Valprid CR 300, as it can increase dizziness, sleepiness, the risk of seizures, and the potential for liver damage.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Valprid CR 300 may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or affect vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are aware of how the medicine affects you.
• Other Conditions: Use with caution in patients with kidney problems, pancreatitis, porphyria, urea cycle disorders, diabetes, or immune system disorders.
• Children: While generally safe if prescribed by a doctor, caution is advised in children below 3 years due to a higher risk of liver intoxication.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, as Valprid CR 300 can interact with other antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), pain relievers (e.g., aspirin), benzodiazepines, antiretrovirals, ketamine, leflunomide, teriflunomide, and ertapenem.

Storage

Store Valprid CR 300 in its original container, tightly closed, in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The ideal storage temperature should not exceed 30°C. Keep this medicine out of the reach and sight of children and pets.

What is VALPRID CR 300 used for?

VALPRID CR 300 is primarily used to treat various forms of epilepsy, including generalized tonic-clonic, absence, partial, myoclonic, and grand mal seizures. It is also used in the management of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for the prevention of migraine headaches.

How does VALPRID CR 300 work?

VALPRID CR 300 contains Sodium valproate and Valproic acid. This medication works by decreasing excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. It achieves this by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This action helps to block nerve transmission across the brain, providing a calming effect and stabilizing the brain's electrical activity to control seizures and mood.

What is the usual dosage for VALPRID CR 300?

The dosage of VALPRID CR 300 should be precisely as prescribed by your doctor. It is generally recommended to take the tablet whole with food to minimize stomach upset, and it should not be crushed or chewed. For epilepsy, the typical starting dose is 10-15 mg/kg per day, which is gradually increased. For bipolar disorder, the starting dose might be around 750 mg/day, potentially increasing up to 1000-2000 mg/day (with a maximum of 2500 mg/day). For migraine prevention, the usual adult starting dose is 200 mg to 400 mg per day, taken in divided doses. The total daily dose can be given in one or two separate administrations.

What are the possible side effects of VALPRID CR 300?

Common side effects may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, tremors, tiredness, drowsiness, headache, weight gain, hair loss, indigestion, increased appetite, diarrhea, skin rashes, impaired coordination, apathy, and irregular periods.

More serious, though rare, side effects can include liver problems (such as jaundice, fever, chills, unusual bleeding or bruising, dark urine, and abdominal pain), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), cognitive issues (like memory problems, confusion, and difficulty concentrating), and suicidal thoughts or tendencies. If you experience any persistent or severe side effects, or notice any signs of serious reactions, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Is VALPRID CR 300 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: VALPRID CR 300 is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy (pregnancy category D) and should be avoided if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, as it carries a significant risk of causing serious birth defects. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while on this medication, discontinue use and consult your doctor immediately to discuss safer alternatives.

Breastfeeding: While small quantities of VALPRID CR 300 may pass into breast milk, human studies suggest it is generally considered safe if prescribed by a doctor and is not harmful to the baby in significant amounts. However, it is always recommended to consult your doctor before breastfeeding while on this medication.

Can VALPRID CR 300 be taken with other medications?

VALPRID CR 300 can interact with several other medications, which may require dose adjustments or careful monitoring. These include other anti-epileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), anti-migraine medicines, antidepressants, certain pain relievers like aspirin (which can increase toxicity risk), immunomodulatory medicines, and contraceptive pills.

Specific interactions include an increased risk of severe side effects with buprenorphine, unusual bleeding with vorinostat, irregular heart rhythm with lithium, and liver problems with teriflunomide. It can also cause increased sedation when taken with benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam) and elevate levels of zidovudine (an antiretroviral drug) leading to toxicity. Concomitant use with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking VALPRID CR 300?

Do not suddenly stop taking VALPRID CR 300 without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to worsening of seizures or bipolar disorder symptoms.

Inform your doctor about any history of allergies to the medicine's components, liver disease, kidney problems, pancreatitis, porphyria, urea cycle disorders, diabetes, immune system disorders, meningitis, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Regular monitoring of liver function, blood counts, and Valprid CR levels may be necessary during treatment.

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how it affects you. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can increase dizziness, sleepiness, the risk of seizures, and potential liver damage.

Monitor your weight, as weight gain can be a side effect. VALPRID CR 300 is generally not recommended for children under 2-3 years of age due to an increased risk of liver issues. Caution is also advised for older patients.

What happens if a dose of VALPRID CR 300 is missed?

If you miss a dose of VALPRID CR 300, 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 double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Missing doses can trigger seizures or worsen bipolar symptoms.

How should VALPRID CR 300 be stored?

VALPRID CR 300 should be stored in its original container, tightly closed, in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Ensure it is kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets. The storage temperature should ideally not exceed 30°C.