Journal reading
Safe use of sodium valproate
Valproate is an anticonvulsant drug which is approved for use in epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It has also been used for neuropathic pain and migraine prophylaxis.
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Cost: Free
Ahamed Zawab and John Carmody, Aust Prescr 2014;37:124-7
Accreditation
This activity should take approximately 1 hour to complete. It can be included in a pharmacist’s CPD Plan for either one Group 1 credit or, on successful completion of the assessment activity, two Group 2 credits. Pharmacists should self-record this activity for CPD purposes.
Pharmacy Competency Standards
- 4.2 Consider the appropriateness of prescribed medicines
- 7.1 Contribute to therapeutic decision making
- 7.2 Provide ongoing medication management
About
This activity has been designed to take around 1 hour to complete - this is based on reading the article from an issue of Australian Prescriber and completing a quiz. You will be provided with immediate feedback on your answers and a certificate of completion will be available for you to download for self-reporting purposes.
Learning objectives
- Understand the appropriate use of sodium valproate, including during pregnancy and lactation
- Identify valproate’s potential adverse effects and drug interactions
- Identify the contraindications to valproate
