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Does Divalproex Sodium Interact with Ertapenem?

Divalproex Sodium and Ertapenem have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Ertapenem reduces divalproex sodium concentrations below therapeutic range, increasing risk of breakthrough seizures. Concomitant use is generally not recommended. The mechanism involves carbapenems may inhibit hydrolysis of valproic acid's glucuronide metabolite back to valproic acid. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.

Severity
Major
Management
Close medical supervision required
Data Source
U.S. FDA via OpenFDA

How This Interaction Works

The interaction between Divalproex Sodium and Ertapenem occurs because carbapenems may inhibit hydrolysis of valproic acid's glucuronide metabolite back to valproic acid. Clinically, this means ertapenem reduces divalproex sodium concentrations below therapeutic range, increasing risk of breakthrough seizures. concomitant use is generally not recommended. This is classified as a major interaction, meaning it could cause serious harm if not properly managed. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust dosages, substitute one medication, or increase monitoring frequency.

What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

If you are taking Divalproex Sodium and your doctor is considering prescribing Ertapenem (or vice versa), make sure to:

  • Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
  • Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
  • Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
  • Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
  • Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
  • Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider
💊 Divalproex Sodium(Divalproex Sodium)+💊 Ertapenem(Ertapenem Sodium)

Severity & Interaction Details

⚠️
major
Use with caution — major interaction
Serious risk of clinically significant harm. Generally avoid; if used, monitor closely.
Severity scale
MinorContra
On record
Yes
Drug A class
—
Drug B class
—
Source
NLP:ertapenem

What this means in plain English

Ertapenem reduces divalproex sodium concentrations below therapeutic range, increasing risk of breakthrough seizures. Concomitant use is generally not recommended.

What the FDA label says

"Carbapenems may inhibit hydrolysis of valproic acid's glucuronide metabolite back to valproic acid"

📖 Source: NLP:ertapenem

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Data sourced from U.S. FDA drug labeling via openFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine. For informational purposes only. Always consult your pharmacist or physician.