Valprol Cr 200 Tablet

VALPROL CR 200 TABLET

Valprol CR 200 Tablet is a medication manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd, primarily used to manage various neurological conditions.

• Name: Valprol CR 200 Tablet (Brand name). Common names for its active ingredients include Sodium Valproate and Valproic Acid.
• Composition: Each tablet contains Sodium Valproate (134mg) and Valproic Acid (58mg). These two components work in combination.
• Uses: Valprol CR 200 Tablet is primarily prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy, including various types of seizures such as tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic, and partial seizures. It is also used to treat mood disorders, particularly manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and for the prophylaxis (prevention) of migraine headaches. The medication works by decreasing excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain, thereby controlling seizures and providing a calming effect.
• Dosage and Administration: This medicine should be taken orally as a whole with food, as advised by your doctor. The dosage is individualized based on the patient's condition and response to treatment, and it may be increased gradually until a stable condition is achieved. It is crucial to take the medicine regularly and not to stop taking it suddenly without consulting a doctor, as this could worsen seizures or bipolar disorder.
• Side Effects: Common side effects may include headache, sleepiness, drowsiness, impaired coordination, apathy (lack of interest), irregular periods, weight gain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, tremor, and hair loss. Serious side effects like liver injury, pancreatitis, and suicidal thoughts can occur. If you experience persistent or serious side effects, consult your doctor.
• Precautions:
  • Allergy: Do not take if allergic to sodium valproate, valproic acid, or any other ingredients.
  • Liver Disease: Use with extreme caution in patients with liver diseases; it is not recommended for those with severe or active liver disease. Liver function tests are often required before and during treatment.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is unsafe to use during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects and is not recommended for breastfeeding women. Effective contraception should be used by women of child-bearing age.
  • Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase side effects like sleepiness and drowsiness and may increase the risk of seizures.
  • Driving and Machinery: This medicine can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or blurred vision, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
  • Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, urea cycle disorders, mitochondrial disorders, porphyria, pancreatitis, bleeding disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Regular blood tests may be needed to monitor its levels and liver function.
• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and moisture, at a temperature between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

What is Valprol CR 200 Tablet used for?

Valprol CR 200 Tablet is primarily used to treat various forms of epilepsy, including partial, simple and complex absence, myoclonic, and grand mal seizures. It is also prescribed for the management of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for the prevention of migraine headaches.

How does Valprol CR 200 Tablet work?

Valprol CR 200 Tablet contains a combination of Sodium valproate and Valproic acid. It works by decreasing excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. This is achieved by increasing the levels of a natural brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to block nerve transmission and provides a calming effect. It may also inhibit the activity of voltage-gated sodium and T-type calcium channels.

What is the usual dosage of Valprol CR 200 Tablet?

The correct dosage of Valprol CR 200 Tablet is determined by your doctor based on individual factors like your condition's severity and your response to the medicine. For epilepsy, a typical starting dose might be 10-15 mg/kg per day, gradually increasing in 5 to 10 mg/kg increments per week until seizures are controlled, up to a maximum of 60 mg/kg/day. For bipolar disorder, the starting dose can be around 750 mg/day, and for migraine prophylaxis, typically 200 mg to 400 mg per day in divided doses. It is generally taken with food to minimize stomach upset. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken.

What are the possible side effects of Valprol CR 200 Tablet?

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, sleepiness, drowsiness, dizziness, tremor (shakiness), impaired coordination, increased appetite, and weight gain. Some individuals may also experience hair loss, irregular periods, or skin rashes. If these side effects persist or worsen, it's important to consult your doctor. Serious side effects like severe pancreatitis or unusual bleeding are rare but require immediate medical attention.

Is Valprol CR 200 Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Valprol CR 200 Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it can cause serious birth defects. If you are of child-bearing age, effective contraception should be used while taking this medicine. For breastfeeding mothers, small quantities may pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the baby. It is crucial to consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Can Valprol CR 200 Tablet be taken with other medications?

Valprol CR 200 Tablet can interact with various other medications. For example, it can alter the blood levels of other anti-epileptic medicines like carbamazepine, phenytoin, and lamotrigine. Aspirin can increase Valprol CR's blood levels, leading to increased toxicity. Co-administration with benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) may increase the risk of severe side effects, including sedation and respiratory problems. It's important to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including contraceptive pills, as some may affect or be affected by Valprol CR 200 Tablet.

What precautions should be taken?

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Valprol CR 200 Tablet as it can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and could lead to an increased risk of seizures. Since this medicine can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, a history of liver disease, urea cycle disorders, or if you experience any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts. Frequent blood tests may be needed to monitor liver function and drug levels.

What happens if a dose of Valprol CR 200 Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Valprol CR 200 Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra or double dose to make up for the missed one without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to increased side effects or toxicity. Missing doses may also trigger seizures or worsen bipolar disorder symptoms.

How should it be stored?

Valprol CR 200 Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it in a tightly closed, light-resistant container and away from damp areas. Always keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use expired medicine and discard any unused medicine properly.