Introduction: Valproic acid is available in two different presentations, Depakine and Depakine Crono. Equivalences in plasmatic levels, efficacy and adverse effects between these two formulations are not fully established.
Aim: To compare plasmatic levels, efficacy and plasmatic levels between Depakine and Depakine Crono.
Patients and methods: We studied a retrospective series of 238 patients in treatment with Depakine or Depakine Crono and compared plasmatic levels, efficacy and adverse effects between both formulations.
Results: A total of 173 patients had taken one formulation and 54 both. Plasmatic levels were similar in both groups. There were more significantly more patients free of seizures among the Depakine Crono group. Significantly better outcomes were seen with Depakine Crono with respect to secondary effects. Adverse effects are significantly less frequent in men than in women. The higher the dose, the higher the incidence of adverse events.
Conclusions: Depakine Crono seems to obtain similar plasmatic levels, is at least as efficacious and is associated with less adverse events that Depakine.