Pharmacokinetic evaluation of novel sustained-release dosage forms of valproic acid in humans

Five new sustained-release dosage forms of valproic acid (VPA) were developed. The new sustained-release formulations were administered to six healthy subjects for comparison with a standard tablet and an i.v. preparation of the drug. Three of the formulations exhibited a more prolonged and uniform absorption rate and yielded more sustained serum levels after ingestion. These three formulations maintained serum therapeutic levels of VPA for 24 h after a single oral administration of 1 g, and were bioequivalent to a marketed standard tablet of VPA. The absorption profile of the various oral formulations was analysed pharmacokinetically, using the Loo-Riegelman procedure.