Depakine Chronosphere for children

In the treatment of epilepsy, valproic acid preparations are in demand, including “Depakine Chronosphere". Not everyone knows whether such a drug is allowed in childhood, how to give it to a child.

"Depakine Chronosphere" is available in portion packets, inside of which are yellowish or white granules. One box contains 30 or 50 tea bags.

The main ingredient of the granules is sodium valproate, supplemented with valproic acid. The active ingredient of the drug is determined in terms of sodium valproate. This compound in one bag can contain 100 or 250 mg. Packages containing the active ingredient 500, 750 or 1000 mg are available. Additionally, the preparation includes aqueous colloidal silicon dioxide, solid paraffin and glycerol dibehenate.

Since sodium valproate is distinguished by an anticonvulsant effect, Depakine Chronosphere is referred to the group of antiepileptic drugs. This medicine has a central muscle relaxant and sedative effect.

Granules are characterized by prolonged exposure. The maximum concentration of the active compound is determined in the blood 7 hours after taking the medicine. Compared with other forms, the distribution of such a medication in the tissues occurs more uniformly over the course of the day.

The main reason for prescribing the medicine Depakin Chronosphere to a child is epilepsy episodes. The drug 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 for the prevention of febrile seizures.

In pediatric practice, the drug is used from 6 months. It can be prescribed both by itself (as monotherapy), and with other drugs against epilepsy.

The drug is not prescribed:

• With intolerance to any of its ingredients.
• With hepatitis and other severe pathologies of the liver.
• With thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic diathesis.
• With serious problems with the pancreas.
• With mitochondrial pathologies.

Prescribing medication requires caution when it comes to children with congenital fermentopathies, hypoproteinemia, oppression of blood formation in the spinal cord, or renal failure.

Treatment with Depakin Chronosphere can provoke anemia, tremor, bleeding, nausea, deafness, an allergic reaction and other negative symptoms. When they appear, be sure to notify the doctor.

It is recommended to drink the drug while eating, pouring granules into a non-hot soft food or a cool drink - for example, fruit juice, fruit puree or yogurt. Mixing the drug with hot food or liquid (tea, cocoa, soup, and the like) should not be. If the remedy is given to an infant, it is not advised to place it in a bottle (granules can clog the nipple).

The daily dose of medication for a child under 14 years old is 30 mg per kilogram of weight of a small patient. 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.

Too high a dose of the drug can provoke respiratory depression, decreased blood pressure, muscle hypotension, vascular shock and other dangerous symptoms. If overdose is detected, consult a doctor immediately.

"Depakine Chronosphere" is not prescribed together with salicylates, drugs Hypericum or mefloquine. The simultaneous use of the drug with antidepressants, other anticonvulsants, indirect anticoagulants, tramadol, antipsychotics, phenobarbital and many other drugs, indicated in the annotation, requires increased attention of a specialist.

Buying "Depakine Chronosphere" in a pharmacy requires a prescription from a doctor. The average price of 30 sachets with the content of the active compound in a dose of 100 mg each - 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.

About "Depakin Chronosphere" speak of a very effective tool against epilepsy. The advantage of the medicine is the convenience of use for children, since it is easier to swallow it than a pill. The drug is praised for its long-lasting effect and a more even flow of the active substance into the brain tissue. The main drawback of the drug is considered the frequent occurrence of side effects.

Other drugs based on valproic acid can be used as substitutes, for example:

• Syrup "Depakine"which is suitable for babies from birth. This medication is also produced in ampoules that contain a lyophilisate.
• Pills "Depakine Chrono"who are prescribed from 6 years of age.
• A drug «Konvuleks»which is available in drops, capsules, syrup, solution for injections and tablets in the shell.

• Pills "Valparin XP"Allowed for children weighing more than 20 kg.
• Coated tablets "Enkorat Chrono"which are also prescribed for children with body weight more than 20 kg.
• Intestinal-dissolving tablets Encoratused for children over 3 years old.
• Pills "Konvulsofin"who are discharged from 6 years.