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DG DISPATCH - AAN: Rapid infusion valproate sodium safe and effective for epilepsy By Richard Robinson Special to DG News SAN DIEGO, CA -- May 1, 2000 -- Rapid infusion is a safe alternative to slow infusion for epilepsy patients needing intravenous valproate sodium, clinical research shows. The currently approved method of administration of valproate sodium (Depacon) calls for slow infusion, with one-fourth of the daily dose every six hours infused over one hour at each administration. Rapid administration, however, has proven safe in animal experiments noted R. Eugene Ramsay, MD, of the International Center for Epilepsy, in Miami, FL. Dr. Ramsay and colleagues tested the safety of rapid infusion among 40 patients with partial seizures who required valproate sodium treatment, either for seizure prophylaxis, low serum levels in ongoing treatment, or as first-line intervention for acute seizure treatment. The patients were randomized to receive either 1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg/min of valproate sodium, to a target concentration of 15 mg/kg. Dr. Ramsay presented the findings of the study at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, held in San Diego, CA, April 30, 2000. No changes were seen in vital signs, EKG, serum chemistry, or complete blood count in either group, and no adverse effects at injection site were seen either immediately or 48 hours after infusion. Subjective side effects were seen in 35 percent of patients -- including dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and upset stomach -- but with no significant difference in occurrence between groups. "We now have data to show that rapid infusion is safe," Dr. Ramsay said, and noted he is continuing to explore whether even more rapid infusion may be even more efficacious. The study, "Safety of high-dose rapid infusion of intravenous valproate sodium," was supported by Abbott Laboratories. Related Links: valproate sodium (Depacon) and Abbott Laboratories. E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version