Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Istanbul Journal of Pharmacy, cilt.53, sa.1, ss.92-94, 2023 (ESCI)
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Drug-drug interactions cause many complex drug events, especially adverse drug effects. It is known
that drug interactions occur when meropenem and valproic acid are used together. It was aimed to back up existing research
on the interaction of valproic acid.
Methods: After an interaction had been suspected by the ward pharmacists, all of the patient’s drugs were assessed via Up-
ToDate® and Micromedex® databases and the interaction management was shared with the physician in charge.
Results: The patient’s serum valproic acid through level was in therapeutic range before meropenem administration. After
the administration of meropenem, the patient's number of seizures increased and the serum trough level of valproic acid decreased
to 4.3 μg/ml. The valproic acid levels turned back to normal range after switching to a carbapenem antibiotic.
Conclusion: Drug interactions are often encountered in paediatric patients and it is of critical importance in terms of seizure
control. Because of the drug interaction between valproic acid and meropenem, one should avoid using these medications
concomitantly. If that is impossible, daily serum valproic acid levels should be monitored with caution. Clinical pharmacists
could increase the clinicians’ awareness about drug-drug interactions.
Keywords: Drug interactions, hospitalized child, meropenem, clinical pharmacists, valproic acid