Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and more

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) shows antiepileptic properties in various types of seizures. The exact mechanism of Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) is not yet established. However it is suggested that its activity is related to increased brain levels of Gama Amino Butyric Acid (GABA).

Trade Name	Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)
Generic	Sodium Valproate
Weight	500 mg
Type	Tablet (Controlled Release)
Therapeutic Class	Primary anti-epileptic drugs
Manufacturer	Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Available Country	Bangladesh
Last Updated:	January 7, 2025 at 1:49 am

Uses

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) is used for -

Epilepsy: All types of epilepsy such as Absence seizure, Myoclonic seizure, Tonic-clonic seizure, Atonic, Mixed, simple or generalized, Secondary generalized seizure etc.
Mania: For the treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorders.
Other: As an alternative treatment for febrile convulsion & migraine prophylaxis.

Dosage

Oral:

Adults:

Initial: 600 mg/day in 2 divided doses, preferably after food. Dose may be increased by 200mg/day at 3 days interval to a maximum of 2.5 gm daily in divided doses until control of seizure is achieved.
Maintenance dose: Usually 1-2 gm daily (20-30 mg/kg daily).

Children (up to 20 kg):

Initial: 20 mg/kg daily in divided doses. Dose may be increased in severe cases with proper monitoring of plasma concentration.

Children (over 20 kg):

Initial: 400 mg/ day (irrespective of weight). Dose may be increased by 20-30 mg/ kg if required to achieve control.

Injection:

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) is for intravenous use only. Use of Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) for periods of more than 14 days has not been studied. Patients should be switched to oral valproate products as soon as it is clinically feasible.

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) should be administered as a 60 minute infusion (but not more than 20 mg/min) with the same frequency as the oral products, although plasma concentration monitoring and dosage adjustments may be necessary.

In one clinical safety study, approximately 90 patients withepilepsyand with no measurable plasma levels of valproate were given single infusions of Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) (up to 15 mg/kg and mean dose of 1184 mg) over 5-10 minutes (1.5-3.0 mg/kg/min). Patients generally tolerated the more rapid infusions well. This study was not designed to assess the effectiveness of these regimens.

Side Effects

Gastric irritation, nausea, ataxia & tremor; hyperammonaemia, increased appetite & weight gain; transient hair loss, oedema, thrombocytopenia, and inhibition of platelet aggregation, impaired hepatic function leading rarely to fetal hepatic failure; rashes; sedation; rarely lethargy and confusion and also increased alertness; rarely pancreatitis, leucopenia, pancytopenia, red cell hypoplasia, fibrinogen reduction; irregular periods, amenorrhoea, gynaecomastia, toxic epidermal necrolysis, hearing loss, Fancoli's syndrome, dementia, Steven's-Johnson syndrome, and vasculitis have also been reported.

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Precaution

Liver function should be monitored before therapy and during first six months, especially in those patients who seem most at risk. Blood tests are recommended before surgery. Renal impaired patients, pregnant and brest feeding mother should be specially cared. Valproate is eliminated mainly through the kidney, partly in the form of ketone bodies which may lead to false statement in urine ketone test. Sudden withdrawal of therapy should be avoided

Interaction

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) is a non specific inhibitor of drug metabolism. Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Warfarin, Aspirin etc. interacts with Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) crosses the placenta in humans which may lead to neural tube defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida if exposed in the first trimester. Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) may excrete in breast milk. So treatment with Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) may cause harm to new born baby.

Contraindication

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) is contra-indicated in patients with known hypersensitivity of Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release), personal or family history of severe active liver disease, hepatic dysfunction, porphyria and known urea cycle disorder.

Storage Condition

Syrup: Store below 30° C, protected from light.

Tablet: Store below 30° C, protected from light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

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FAQ

What is Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) used for?

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It's occasionally used to prevent migraine headaches. This medicine is only available on prescription.

How safe is Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

Many people can take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) safely for many months or years. However, there are potential side effects that can happen over a long time. Long-term treatment with Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) can cause osteoporosis and osteopenia.

How long does it take for sodium valproate to work?

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) may take several days to show an initial effect and in some cases may take from two to six weeks for maximum effect. Treatment is started with low doses and may be increased over a couple of weeks according to your child's response.

What are the common side effects of Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

The common side effects of Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) are include:

stomach pain, feeling or being sick
diarrhoea
dry or sore mouth, or swollen gums
shakes (tremors) in a part of your body, or unusual eye movements
feeling tired or sleepy
headache
weight gain
thinning hair, or changes to the colour or texture of your hair
irregular or delayed periods

How to take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) comes as slow release (prolonged or sustained release) tablets, capsules and granules, gastro-resistant tablets, crushable tablets, and as a liquid.
Slow release medicine passes into your body gradually.

When is the best time to take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

You can take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) with or without food, but it's best to stick to the same way each time. Do not take it with food some days and without food on other days.

How often can I take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

If you're taking Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) once a day, you can choose a time that suits you. Just try to keep to the same time every day.
If you're taking Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) twice a day, try to leave a gap of 10 to 12 hours between doses. For example you could take your first dose in the morning (between 7am and 8am) and your second dose in the evening (between 7pm and 8pm).

Is Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) safe during pregnancy?

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) is not recommended in pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects and problems with your baby's learning and behaviour.
If there's a chance you could become pregnant while taking this medicine, your doctor will put you on Prevent, the Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) prevention programme.

Is Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) safe during breastfeeding?

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy you can take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) while breastfeeding.
Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) passes into breast milk in small amounts but it's unlikely to harm your baby so you can continue breastfeeding if your doctor says you need to take it.

How long will I take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

Once your condition is under control, you'll usually need to keep taking Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) for many years.

Is Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) safe to take it for a long time?

Many people can take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) safely for many months or years.
However, there are potential side effects that can happen over a long time. Long-term treatment with Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) can cause osteoporosis and osteopenia.

What will happen when I come off Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

Do not stop taking Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) suddenly, unless your doctor tells you to.
You're unlikely to get any extra symptoms when you stop taking this medicine. However, if you're taking Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) for epilepsy, it's possible that you'll get seizures again once you stop taking it. You can prevent these withdrawal seizures by reducing your dose of Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) gradually.

Can I drink alcohol with Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

Drinking alcohol while taking Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) may make you feel sleepy or tired. It's best to stop drinking alcohol during the first few days, until you see how the medicine affects you.

Will Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) affect my fertility?

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) can reduce fertility in both men and women. Once you stop taking this medicine, your fertility will return.In men Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) has been reported to cause infertility.

Will Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) affect my contraception?

Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.If there's a chance you could become pregnant while taking Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) you must use contraception. Your doctor will put you on Prevent, the valproate pregnancy prevention programme.

Can I drive after taking Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

You may feel sleepy, tired or dizzy when you first start taking Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release). This may also happen if your dose has increased. If you're affected, do not drive or ride a bike until you feel more alert.

Can I take too much dose of Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

Taking too much Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) can lead to symptoms such as: feeling or being sick, headaches or feeling dizzy,muscle weakness.

What happen If I missed Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

If you've missed a dose, what you do next depends on whether you usually take your medicine once or twice a day. If you take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) once a day ,take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember unless it's within a few hours of the next dose.

Who should not take Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release)?

You should not use Valex CR 500 mg Tablet (Controlled Release) if you are allergic to it.