Valproic Acid Derivatives/Pivmecillinam Interactions

This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.

Medical warning:

Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

How the interaction occurs:

The cause of this interaction is known. When taken together, the drugs decrease the amount of carnitine in your body.

What might happen:

Low carnitine levels may result in mental sluggishness, confusion, and disorientation.

What you should do about this interaction:

While taking these medicines, let your doctor know right away if you develop any unexplained mental confusion or sudden mental changes.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

  • 1.Selexid (pivmecillinam hydrochloride) UK summary of product characteristics. Leo Laboratories Limited January, 2008.
  • 2.Makino Y, Sugiura T, Ito T, Sugiyama N, Koyama N. Carnitine-associated encephalopathy caused by long-term treatment with an antibiotic containing pivalic acid. Pediatrics 2007 Sep;120(3):e739-41.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.