Paper I
2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme) · 100 marks · 180 min

Question

Briefly describe the mechanism of action, uses and adverse effects of sodium valproate.

Q124 marksShort Answers

Answer

Broad-spectrum antiepileptic. MOA: increases GABA levels (inhibits GABA transaminase), blocks voltage-gated Na⁺ channels, and blocks T-type Ca²⁺ channels (useful in absence seizures). Uses: generalized tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, bipolar disorder, migraine prophylaxis. Adverse effects: hepatotoxicity, teratogenicity (neural tube defects — avoided in pregnancy), weight gain, tremor, alopecia, thrombocytopenia.

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