Valproic Acid/Carbapenem Antibiotics 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:

Serious. These medicines may interact and cause very harmful effects. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

How the interaction occurs:

Your antibiotic may decrease how much valproic acid your body absorbs.

What might happen:

The amount of valproic acid in your blood may decrease. If you are taking valproic acid for epilepsy, your seizures may not be controlled.

What you should do about this interaction:

Let your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) know that you are taking these medicines together. Your doctor may want to check the amount of valproic acid in your blood and may need to adjust the dose of your medicine. If you are taking valproic acid for epilepsy, your doctor may want you to take another medicine while you are taking meropenem. If you experience a seizure, contact a healthcare professional right away.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.

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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.