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Encorate
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Encorat prevents the development of convulsive attacks that occur in various forms of epilepsy. The drug does not suppress respiratory activity, and in addition, does not affect renal and cardiac function and does not change temperature. Effectively prevents the occurrence of complex, simple, and secondary seizures of a generalized type.
Valproate Na is the main active element of the drug; it increases GABA levels inside the brain and postsynaptic nerves. The anticonvulsant effect of the drug also develops by influencing the movement of potassium ions through the neuronal walls.
Indications Encorata
It is used in the treatment of epilepsy, which has a partial or generalized form (in the case of atonic, myoclonic or tonic-clonic seizures, as well as absences).
It can also be prescribed in case of special syndromes in which the development of seizures is observed (LHS or West syndrome).
Release form
The therapeutic substance is released in tablets (volume 0.2 or 0.3 g), which are packed in strips of 10 pieces. There are 10 such strips inside the box.
Encorat chrono
Encorat chrono is produced in tablets of 0.2 g volume – 10 pieces inside a strip; inside a pack – 3 such strips. In addition, it is sold in tablets of 0.3 or 0.5 g volume – 10 tablets inside a strip; inside a box – 1 or 3 such strips.
Pharmacodynamics
Encorat is an anticonvulsant, the principle of which is associated with slowing down the action of the enzyme GABA-transferase, as well as with increasing the values of GABA inside the central nervous system. As a result, a weakening of convulsive readiness and excitability of motor brain areas is noted. At the same time, the drug improves the mood and mental state of patients.
Valproic acid can cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier, and is also excreted in breast milk during lactation.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption.
When taken orally, plasma Cmax values are recorded after 1-4 hours. Therapeutic plasma values are 300-600 mmol/l. Bioavailability is 96-100%.
Distribution processes.
The level of protein synthesis is 78-94%.
Exchange processes.
Sodium valproate is involved in intrahepatic metabolism through glucuronidation, as well as α- and β-oxidation.
Excretion.
The drug is excreted through the kidneys. The half-life is in the range of 6-16 hours, and the clearance rate is in the range of 6-27 ml/hour/kg. Small amounts of Na valproate are excreted in breast milk.
Dosing and administration
The medication is taken orally - the tablets are swallowed without chewing, with food. The medication is taken 1-2 times a day.
An adult needs to take 300-600 mg of the drug 1-2 times a day. The dosage is gradually increased (1 time over a 3-4 day period); it should increase by a maximum of 2.4 g per day.
For a child weighing less than 40 kg, the medication is prescribed in a daily dose of 20 mg/kg; for a child weighing more than 40 kg – 40 mg/kg.
The drug should be discontinued gradually, periodically reducing the dosage. This period lasts 1-2 years.
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Use Encorata during pregnancy
Encorat should not be used during pregnancy.
If it is necessary to use the medication during breastfeeding, then breastfeeding should be avoided during the period of therapy.
Contraindications
Main contraindications:
- administration to persons with allergies to valproic acid and the elements contained in the medication;
- porphyria;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- severe stages of diseases affecting the pancreas and liver;
- leuko- or thrombocytopenia.
Caution is required when using in cases of renal or bone marrow dysfunction, childhood oligophrenia, congenital enzymopathies, cerebral diseases, previous liver or pancreatic pathologies, and hypoproteinemia.
Side effects Encorata
At the initial stage of therapy, temporary conditions may be observed: increased appetite, vomiting, pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea and anorexia.
When using the tablets, irritability, lethargy, tremor, headache, ataxia, and changes in mood or behavior may occur. In addition, dysarthria, anemia, enuresis, visual disturbances, problems with consciousness, and an increase in the size of the mammary glands are noted. There is also an increase in the activity of intrahepatic enzymes, allergies (alopecia, exudative form of erythema of a malignant nature, urticaria, photosensitivity, rashes and Quincke's edema), leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, blood clotting disorders and platelet aggregation. In addition, secondary amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea, peripheral edema, hyperammonemia or -creatinemia, decreased fibrinogen values, increased blood bilirubin levels, and weight changes (increase or decrease) occur.
Rarely, taking Encorat causes depression, hallucinations, stupor, aggression or psychosis, as well as constipation, bleeding, petechial hemorrhages, hematomas, galactorrhea or coma. Fatal pancreatitis is also possible.
A single administration of the drug leads to the development of a fulminant form of hepatitis with a fatal outcome.
Interactions with other drugs
The drug potentiates the medicinal activity of other anticonvulsants (phenytoin with lamotrigine), MAOIs, anxiolytics, thymoleptics with ethyl alcohol, indirect anticoagulants, and antiplatelet agents.
The combination of the drug and clonazepam may provoke a severe absence status.
The drug increases blood levels of primidone and barbiturates.
When combined with drugs, the excretion of lamotrigine is slowed down.
Tranquilizers with neuroleptics, as well as MAOIs, weaken the therapeutic effect of Encorat, lowering the seizure threshold.
The effectiveness of the drug is enhanced when combined with salicylates.
Administration of the drug together with carbamazepine, phenobarbital or mefloquine reduces the blood level of valproic acid.
The use of drugs and myelotoxic substances increases the likelihood of developing bone marrow dysfunction.
When combined with felbamate, blood levels of Encorat increase, which is why the dosage of the latter must be reduced.
Storage conditions
Encorat should be stored in a dry and dark place, at a temperature not exceeding +25°C.
Shelf life
Encorate can be used within a 36-month period from the date of sale of the therapeutic substance.
Application for children
The medication is not used in children under 3 years of age.
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Analogues
The analogs of the drug are Gabapentin, Bifren and Tiapride with Lamotrigine, and also Gabagamma, Tison with Finlepsin, Convalis and Fezipam with Neurontin, as well as Elzepam, Lamolep with Falilepsin and Rivotril. In addition, the list includes Convulsan and Gopantam, Nitrazepam and Toreal.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Encorate" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.