Valproate Sodium

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Cat Number

API0233007

CAS Number

1069-66-5

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

1069-66-5

EINECS

213-961-8

Synonyms

Sodium valproate; Sodium 2-propylpentanoate

Molecular Formula

C8H15NaO2

Molecular Weight

166.19

Smiles

CCCC(CCC)C(=O)[O-].[Na+]

Appearance

White crystalline powder

Melting Point

300℃

General Description

Valproate sodium is the sodium salt of valproic acid, a simple branched-chain fatty acid with anticonvulsant properties. First approved by the FDA in 1996, it is structurally unrelated to other antiepileptic drugs and carries multiple boxed warnings regarding hepatotoxicity, fetal risk, and pancreatitis.

Mechanism of Action

The precise mechanism of valproate remains to be fully elucidated, but it is thought to increase brain concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by inhibiting GABA transaminase and enhancing glutamic acid decarboxylase activity. This potentiates inhibitory neurotransmission and prevents seizure spread without suppressing epileptic focus discharge. Valproate may also affect voltage-gated sodium channels and L-type calcium channels, contributing to its membrane-stabilizing effects.

Application

Valproate sodium injection is indicated as an intravenous alternative for monotherapy and adjunctive therapy of complex partial seizures and simple and complex absence seizures in patients temporarily unable to take oral valproate products. It is also FDA-approved for acute management of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and prophylaxis of migraine headaches.

Nevitt SJ, et al. compared sodium valproate and phenytoin as monotherapy for epilepsy, analyzing data from 669 participants across five randomized trials. For primary outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences between drugs in time to treatment failure for any reason (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.61–1.27), due to adverse events (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.44–1.37), or due to lack of efficacy (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.71–1.89). Similarly, no significant differences emerged for time to first seizure or 12-month remission. However, the quality of evidence was moderate to low owing to detection bias, potential misclassification of seizure type, and unexplained heterogeneity.

Fig. 1 Study flow diagram (Nevitt SJ, et al., 2018)

References

Nevitt SJ, et al. Sodium valproate versus phenytoin monotherapy for epilepsy: an individual participant data review. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;8(8):CD001769.

Is Valproate Sodium extremely hygroscopic, and how is this managed?

Yes, it is highly hygroscopic and can rapidly absorb moisture from the air, leading to deliquescence. It must be stored in tightly sealed, moisture-proof containers and opened only in dry environments.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Valproate Sodium?

Store at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Avoid elevated temperatures, which can soften the material and accelerate degradation, especially if moisture is present.

Does Valproate Sodium require special packaging for shipment to tropical climates?

For high-humidity destinations, we use additional desiccant and heat-sealed moisture-barrier foil bags inside fiber drums to provide maximum protection against moisture ingress.

Is Valproate Sodium stable in acidic environments?

In solution, it can convert to valproic acid at low pH. For bulk API, this is not a concern, but formulated products require pH control to prevent free acid formation and potential precipitation.