Does Valproate Interact with Folic Acid?
CDI records a moderate classification for Valproate and Folic Acid. The stored summary is: Valproate reduces intestinal folate absorption and interferes with folate-dependent metabolic pathways. The mechanism involves reduces intestinal folate absorption and interferes with folate-dependent metabolic pathways. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Folic Acid Class
- Vitamin D
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
Reduces intestinal folate absorption and interferes with folate-dependent metabolic pathways
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Valproate and your doctor is considering prescribing Folic Acid (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 whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider