Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) suppositories were given on a trial basis to 53 neurosurgical patients. Suppositories consisting of VPA-Na powder supplemented with neutralized acetic acid and an absorbefacient were well absorbed transrectally. At a single dose of 200 or 600 mg, VPA suppositories failed to produce the optimal serum concentration of 50 to 100 μg/ml. At a dose of 600 mg every 8 hours, the optimal concentration was reached in about 16 hours. However, at an initial dose of 1, 200 mg followed by a dose of 600 mg every 8 hours, the optimal concentration was reached in about 8 hours and remained stabilized thereafter. Thus, this dosage regimen was considered the best. VPA suppositories are both practical and safe in the treatment of head trauma in the acute stage and of cerebrovascular diseases accompanied by gastrointestinal dysfunction, and in the shortterm prevention of postoperative seizures.
