EXCIPIENTS IN VALPROIC ACID SYRUP MAYCAUSE DIARRHEA:

ABSTRACf: A 5-year-old child receiving valproic acid syrup for seizure control developed diarrhea probably from the excipient ingredients. Each 5 mL of valproic acid syrup contains sucrose 3 g, glycerin 0.75 g, and sorbitol 0.75 g, providing daily amounts of 36, 9, and 9 g of sucrose, glycerin, and sorbitol, respectively. The diarrhea resolved when the child was switched to another valproic acid product. Clinicians should be aware of potential problems that may occur from excipient ingredients in pharmaceutical products when evaluating adverse effects of medications. DlCP Ann Pharmacother 1990;24:832-3. VALPROIC ACID, an anticonvulsant used in children and adults, is currently available as a liquid-filled capsule, tab-let, syrup, and bead-filled capsule. The most common ad-verse gastrointestinal (01) effects are nausea, vomiting, di-arrhea, and constipation.P GI problems associated wit