Search results for:

valproic acid IV

valproic acid IV
Brand names: Depacon, Divalproex Sodium
Form Strength
SOLUTION, INTRAVENOUS 100 mg/mL
Display Anticonvulsants, Miscellaneous, Antimanic Agents, Antimigraine Agents, Miscellaneous Class: 281292, 282800, 283292
Medication comments:
Per policy, these medications require cardiac and/or special monitoring.
(KEY: "Y" = may be given as described on chart. "N" = may NOT be given except in Rapid Response/Code Blue situations or as otherwise described in Exceptions section of Policy.
generic (Brand) / Notes CCU, OR, PACU, CCL, ED PCU 2N (Tele) 1N (Tele), 3N (Tele) Med/Surg (1N w/o Tele, 3N w/o Tele, 4N, 5N) BirthPlace SNF ICS OPS
valproic acid (Depacon)
IV Push,IV Infusion		 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
USP <800> Hazardous Drug Assessment of Risk (AOR)
Per policy, these drugs are exempt from USP <800> handling requirements under normal circumstances.
The following outlines must be followed.
generic (Brand) Route
[Packaging: Manufacturer ⇒ Dispense]		 Activities
valproic acid (Depacon) IV
[n/a]		   Stock @ IDBH? N
NIOSH Table 2↑
Pharmacy:
Receiving / Storage / Preparation

Exposure Risk: low
 • Handling/preparation PPE Requirements: Single CX glove, gown

Do not prepare if pregnant.
• Receiving from Distributor: Standard
• Pharmacy Storage Area: IV Area
• Packaging/Reconstitution Location: n/a
• Compounding (Non-Sterile/Sterile) Location: Positive pressure room
• Omnicell Load: No
Transport • Transport (dose is placed inside a plastic sealable bag): Standard
Nursing:
Storage / Administration

Exposure Risk: low
 • Handling/administration PPE Requirements: Single pair of CX approved gloves. Wash hands after handling
• Storage of Finished dose in Nursing Area/Procedural Area: Patient Med Drawer
• Signage on Patient Door Required: No
• Manipulation of Dosage Form: n/a
• Special Manipulation for Administration: n/a
Disposal / Spills • Disposal of Drug Waste: Full-  black bin 
Trace-  yellow bin 
• Disposol of Used PPE: trash bin (inside plastic bag)
• Spill management: n/a
NIOSH Supplemental Information: BBW for teratogenicity; congenital malformations, including neural tube defects; teratogenic in multiple species
Reason for exemption of USP<800> Containment Requirements: Preg Category D. Risks are related to systemic absorption. Skin contact - wash immediately with soap and water.
2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults.
Medication: valproic acid (Depacon, Stavzor)
Criteria 2: Potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults due to drug–disease or drug–syndrome interactions that may exacerbate the disease or syndrome. (Table 3)
Drug(s) ⇆ disease or syndrome antiepileptics ⇄ History of falls or fractures
Rationale May cause ataxia, impaired psychomotor function, syncope, or additional falls. If one of the drugs must be used, consider reducing the use of other CNS-active medications that increase the risk of falls and fractures. (i.e., anticholinergics, selected antidepressants, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, sedative/hypnotics including benzodiazepines and, Nonbenzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonist hypnotics, opioids) and implement other strategies to reduce fall risk.
Recommendation Avoid except for seizures and mood disorders.
 Quality of evidence: High, Strength of Recommendation: Strong
 
Criteria 4: Potentially clinically important drug-drug interactions that should be avoided in older adults. (Table 5)
Interacting drug(s) or class(es) antiepileptics (including gabapentinoids) ⇄ CNS-active agents
Risk Rationale Increased risk of falls and of fracture with the concurrent use of ≥3 CNS-active agents (antiepileptics including gabapentinoids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, Nonbenzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonist hypnotics, opioids, and skeletal muscle relaxants).
Recommendation Avoid concurrent use of ≥3 CNS-active drugs Click for list; minimize the number of CNS-active drugs.
 Quality of evidence: High, Strength of Recommendation: Strong
Pediatric Pharmacy Association 2025 KIDs List of Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics 
Medication: divalproex (Depakote)
Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics (KIDs) List: Second Edition (Table 1)
Drug valproic acid and derivatives
Risk/Rationale Pancreatitis, fatal hepatotoxicity
Recommendation Avoid in younger than 2 yr
Caution in 2-6 yr
 Quality of evidence: High, Strength of Recommendation: Strong
Last updated: Sep. 25, 2025
UpToDate Lexidrug

Pharmacy Contact Info:

Main Inpatient Pharmacy: ext 4599, 3503
Fax: 704-878-7283

Director of Pharmacy - Randi Raynor, PharmD: ext 4501
Clinical Coordinator - Laura Rollings, PharmD: ext 4597
Pharmacy Informaticist - Stephen Pringle, PharmD: ext 7645
Pharmacy Technician Supervisor - Amy Wingler, CPhT: ext 7385
Pharmacy Automation Coordinator (Omnicell) - Melissa Fulford, CPhT: ext 3556



This site is intended for the staff of Iredell Health System. While others may view accessible pages, Iredell Health System makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the use of this information outside of Iredell Health System. The content of this policy and procedure document serves as guidance to the delivery of quality patient care. Care providers are expected to exercise critical thinking and situational awareness skills, and in specific situations to take such action as is necessary for the delivery of quality patient care.
Copyright © 2025 Rpharmy, LLC ­ All Rights Reserved