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Valproic Acid — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Hepatotoxic + teratogen

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Pharmacological Therapies 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Valproic Acid on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Uses

Key facts

Seizures, bipolar, migraine
Therapeutic 50-100 mcg/mL

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Labs

Key numbers

Monitor LFTs baseline + serial
↑ Ammonia → encephalopathy
CBC → thrombocytopenia

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Report

Notify / act now

Jaundice, RUQ pain, anorexia
Bruising, bleeding gums
Pancreatitis → severe abd pain

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Avoid

Key facts

Pregnancy → neural tube defects
No abrupt stop → seizures

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Quick Tip

Therapeutic serum level is 50-100 mcg/mL (some sources up to 125); levels are monitored routinely.

📖 Related Topics

Digoxin Toxicity Heparin Therapy Warfarin Therapy Acetaminophen Poisoning in Children

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