In the treatment of epilepsy, preparations of valproic acid are in demand, to which Depakine Chronosphere belongs. Not everyone knows whether such a medication is allowed in childhood, how to properly give it to a child.
Release form
"Depakine Chronosphere" is available in portioned bags with yellowish or white free-flowing granules inside. One box contains 30 or 50 sachets.
Composition
The main ingredient in the granules is sodium valproate supplemented with valproic acid. The active substance of the drug is determined in terms of sodium valproate. This compound can contain 100 or 250 mg in one sachet. Packages are available with an active ingredient content of 500, 750 or 1000 mg. Additionally, the preparation includes aqueous colloidal silicon dioxide, hard paraffin and glycerol dibehenate.
Operating principle
Since sodium valproate has an anticonvulsant effect, Depakine Chronosphere belongs to the group of antiepileptic drugs. This drug has a central muscle relaxant and sedative effect.
Granules have a prolonged effect. The maximum concentration of the active compound is determined in the blood 7 hours after taking the drug. Compared with other forms, the distribution of such a drug in the tissues occurs more evenly throughout the day.
Indications
The main reason to prescribe the drug "Depakin Chronosphere" to a child is epileptic seizures. The medication is in demand for tonic, myoclonic, atonic and other types of generalized seizures, as well as for partial seizures. In addition, the granules can be used to prevent febrile seizures.
From what age is it allowed to take?
In pediatric practice, the drug is used from 6 months. It can be administered on its own (as monotherapy) or in conjunction with other drugs for epilepsy.
Contraindications
The medication is not prescribed:
- With intolerance to any of its ingredients.
- With hepatitis and other severe liver pathologies.
- With thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic diathesis.
- For serious problems with the pancreas.
- With mitochondrial pathologies.
Prescribing medication requires caution when it comes to children with congenital fermentopathies, hypoproteinemia, inhibition of hematopoiesis in the spinal cord, or renal failure.
Side effects
Treatment with Depakin Chronosphere can provoke anemia, tremors, bleeding, nausea, deafness, allergic reactions and other negative symptoms. When they appear, you must definitely notify the doctor.
Instructions for use
It is recommended to drink the drug with meals, pouring the granules into non-hot soft food or a cool drink, such as fruit juice, fruit puree or yogurt. Do not mix medication with hot food or liquid (tea, cocoa, soup, and the like). If the remedy is given to an infant, it is not advised to put it in a bottle (the granules can clog the nipple).
After mixing the pellets with food, it must be swallowed immediately. It is not recommended to chew the medicine, as well as store it after adding it to food or drink. If the contents of the bag have been poured into a glass, then it is worth rinsing it with water and swallowing such a liquid, since the granules often stick to the dishes.
The daily dose of medication for a child under 14 years of age is 30 mg for each kilogram of a small patient's weight. For the treatment of adolescents over 14 years of age, the dosage is 25 mg / kg / day. This amount of medicine is taken once a day or divided into two doses.
Overdose
Too high a dose of the drug can provoke respiratory depression, a decrease in blood pressure, muscle hypotension, vascular shock and other dangerous symptoms. If an overdose is detected, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Drug interaction
"Depakine Chronosphere" is not prescribed together with salicylates, St. John's wort or mefloquine. The simultaneous use of the drug with antidepressants, other anticonvulsants, indirect anticoagulants, tramadol, antipsychotics, phenobarbital and many other medications indicated in the annotation requires the increased attention of a specialist.
Terms of sale and storage
Buying Depakine Chronosphere at a pharmacy requires a prescription from a doctor. The average price of 30 sachets containing the active compound at a dose of 100 mg each is 600 rubles. To store the medication, you need to find a place hidden from children, in which the temperature will not rise above +25 degrees. The shelf life of the bags is 2 years.
Reviews
Depakine Chronosphere is described as a very effective remedy against epilepsy. The advantage of the drug is the convenience of use for children, since it is easier to swallow than a pill. The drug is praised for its long-term effect and a more uniform flow of the active substance into the brain tissue. The main disadvantage of the drug is the frequent occurrence of side effects.
Analogs
Other medications based on valproic acid can be used as replacements, for example:
- Syrup "Depakin"suitable for babies from birth. This medication is also available in ampoules that contain a lyophilisate.
- Pills "Depakin Chrono", which are prescribed from the age of 6.
- A drug "Konvulex", which is available in drops, capsules, syrup, solution for injections and coated tablets.
- Pills "Valparin XP"allowed for children weighing more than 20 kg.
- Coated tablets "Enkorat Chrono", which are also prescribed for children with a body weight of more than 20 kg.
- Intestinal dissolving tablets "Encorat"used for children over 3 years old.
- Pills "Konvulsofin"who are discharged from the age of 6.
