In blood, most drugs are bound to serum proteins. The fraction bound to proteins is considered to be pharmacologically inactive, as only the unbound (free) fraction is available for diffusion out of the vascular system to sites for pharmacological action.
The valproic acid-protein binding depends on both the serum albumin concentration and the drug concentration. As a result, the free fraction of this drug is subject to more variation than other highly protein-bound antiepileptic drugs.
In patients with hypoalbuminemia, the total serum concentration of valproic acid may offer poor clinical information; however, very few clinical laboratories routinely analyze the free concentration of the drug. Use this calculator to analyse the correct concentration of valproic acid.
Valproate (VPA) is primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder and prevent migraine headaches. They are useful for the prevention of seizures in those with absence seizures, partial seizures, and generalized seizures.
Excessive amounts of valproic acid can result in:
sleepiness
tremor
stupor
respiratory depression
coma
metabolic acidosis
death
In general, serum or plasma valproic acid concentrations are in a range of 20–100 mg/l during controlled therapy, but may reach 150–1500 mg/l following acute poisoning.
This is my first programming project. The values and the informations are taken from this scientific paper.
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