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valproic acid

American  
[val-proh-ik] / vælˈproʊ ɪk /

noun

Pharmacology.
  1. a carboxylic acid, C 8 H 16 O 2 , used for its antiepileptic properties in the treatment of various seizures including petit mal.


valproic acid British  
/ vælˈprəʊɪk /

noun

  1. a synthetic crystalline compound, used as an anticonvulsive to treat seizure disorders. Formula C 7 H 15 COOH

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • valproate noun

Etymology

Origin of valproic acid

First recorded in 1970–75; val(eric) + pro(pyl) + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For example, Devinsky notes that patients who are receiving valproic acid to treat seizures or migraines might be at an elevated risk.

From Nature

How these medications, such as valproic acid, boost autism risk is unclear, but many of them interfere with folic acid’s metabolism and absorption from the gut into body tissues.

From Washington Post

Researchers have suggested that damage could be done by the drugs thalidomide, misoprostol and valproic acid; by exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos; and by infection of the mother with the rubella virus.

From New York Times

So are prenatal exposures to certain infections, air pollution and some medications, such as the anti-seizure drug valproic acid, the group said.

From US News

Although the drug, valproic acid, hasn't been proven and approved for their disease, it seems to help both girls retain their strength and ability to control their movements.

From Washington Post