The clinical significance of metal binding in convulsion control with sodium valproate

The facility with which certain metal salts of physiological importance can bind to the anticonvulsant drug, sodium valproate, is demonstrated. The products are characterized in vitro and the clinical significance of these findings are discussed in terms of the hair loss side-effect exhibited by some patients who are prescribed the drug for the treatment of epilepsy. The first reports are also given of preliminary in vivo data on the copper and zinc status of paediatric patients on sodium valproate.