What Alternate Names Are There For Depacon? Valproate Sodium
How is Depacon (Valproate Sodium - Inj) Pronounced? val-PROE-ate SOE-dee-um
Who is the Manufacturer of Depacon? Abbott Labs.
What is Depacon Used For? Valproate sodium is used to help control seizures and treat seizure disorders (complex partial seizures, absence seizures, other seizures). It is usually used when the patient cannot take the oral form of Depacon (e.g., valproic acid)
How To Use Depacon
Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have questions regarding the use of Depacon, consult your pharmacist. Give Depacon by vein (IV), usually over 60 minutes in a dextrose (D5W) or saline (NS) solution, as directed by your doctor. You will be switched to an oral form of Depacon when you are able to take medication by mouth. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. Use Depacon exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, give it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Doing so could increase side effects. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using Depacon. Doing so could cause an increase in seizures. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Depacon Side Effects
Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, altered taste, sweating, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: vomiting, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet, vision changes, stomach/abdominal pain, flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, unusual tiredness/weakness), tremor, loss of coordination, forgetfulness, rash, unusual hair loss, loss of appetite. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations, depression), trouble breathing, swelling/weight gain, ringing in the ears. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: severe stomach pain, chest pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, swelling of the face, unusual bleeding or bruising. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Depacon Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, pancreas problems (pancreatitis), blood problems (e.g., thrombocytopenia), metabolism problems (e.g., hyperammonemia, thyroid disorders, urea cycle disorder), seizure history/description, mental retardation, depression, brain disease, recent head trauma, upcoming surgery. Depacon may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Depacon should be used with caution in children, especially less than 2 years of age, because they may be more likely to have serious side effects (e.g., liver damage) from Depacon. Caution is advised when using Depacon in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Depacon. Depacon is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. Depacon passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Depacon Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other anti- seizure medication (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, felbamate, clonazepam, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, primidone), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), certain diabetes medication (e.g., tolbutamide), warfarin, aspirin, erythromycin, zidovudine. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness, such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Depacon may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., urine ketones and thyroid function tests). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Depacon.
Depacon Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, coma, or severe chest pain.
Missed Depacon Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
Depacon Storage
Store vials at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. After dilution in correct IV fluids and storage in a proper container (consult your pharmacist for details), Depacon is stable at room temperature for 24 hours. Discard any unused portion of the vial(s).
