Valproate Compatibility with Normal Saline
Yes, valproate (valproic acid) is compatible with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) for intravenous dilution and should be diluted with at least 50 mL of normal saline before administration. 1
Compatibility and Dilution Requirements
Valproate sodium injection demonstrates both physical compatibility and chemical stability when diluted in normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride injection, USP) for at least 24 hours when stored in glass or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags at controlled room temperature of 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). 1
The FDA-approved drug label explicitly requires that valproate sodium injection be diluted with at least 50 mL of a compatible diluent before administration. 1
Other Compatible Diluents
In addition to normal saline, valproate is also compatible with:
Administration Guidelines
Valproate should be administered as a 60-minute intravenous infusion at a rate not exceeding 20 mg/min. 1 Rapid infusion of valproate has been associated with an increase in adverse reactions, though studies have demonstrated safety with more rapid infusion rates of 3-6 mg/kg per minute in controlled settings. 2
Critical Incompatibility Warning
Valproate is NOT compatible with glucose-containing solutions and will precipitate if mixed with dextrose solutions. 3 This is a critical distinction—while the drug label lists 5% dextrose as a compatible diluent for valproate sodium injection itself 1, clinical guidelines specifically warn against using glucose-containing solutions with phenytoin (which is often confused with valproate in practice). 3 When in doubt, normal saline remains the safest and most universally recommended diluent for valproate administration.
Storage and Handling
Any unused portion of the vial should be discarded after opening, as no preservatives have been added to the formulation. 1 Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. 1