Divalproex Sodium

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A stable coordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid with anticonvulsant and antiepileptic activities. Divalproex dissociates to the valproate ion in the gastrointestinal tract. This agent binds to and inhibits gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase and its anticonvulsant activity may be exerted by increasing brain concentration of GABA and by inhibiting enzymes that catabolize GABA or block the reuptake of GABA into glia and nerve endings. Divalproex may also work by suppressing repetitive neuronal firing through inhibition of voltage-sensitive sodium channels.

**Synonyms:** - Abbott 50711 - DIVALPROEX SODIUM - Depakote - Depakote ER - Epilex - Epival - Sodium Divalproex - Sodium Hydrogen Bis(2-propylpentanoate) - Valparin - Valproate Semisodium