Valproic Acid in the ICU for Agitation and Delirium
Up to 70% of ICU patients experience agitation or delirium
Opioids and benzodiazepines used for pain & agitation can worsen delirium
Antipsychotics are not supported by guidelines for delirium due to lack of efficacy
Proposed ICU benefits:
   1. Allows patient-caregiver interaction
   2. Can be administered outside of the ICU
   3. IV + enteral formulations
   4. Cost effective
SAFETY: Hepatotoxicity: 2-5%, Thrombocytopenia: 9-13%, Hyperammonemia: 6-19%

Alyssa Sykuta @ASykedPharmD

#Valproic #Acid #VPA #Agitation #Delirium #pharmacology #criticalcare