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.

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valproic acid British  

/ vælˈprəʊɪk /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• valproate noun

Etymology

Origin of valproic acid

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

Example Sentences

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

From Nature • Aug. 27, 2019

But rather than saving amniotic stem cells doused with valproic acid for individuals, the researchers envision a limited number of cell lines stored in banks from which many people can make withdrawals.

From Scientific American • Jul. 3, 2012

Unaltered, the cells aren’t pluripotent, but exposure to valproic acid does the trick.

From Scientific American • Jul. 3, 2012

Pascale Guillot, PhD, from Imperial College London and her colleagues describe another source of human pluripotent stem cells today in the journal Molecular Therapy: human amniotic fluid stem cells exposed to valproic acid, or AFSC_VPA.

From Scientific American • Jul. 3, 2012

Earlier studies have highlighted valproic acid as the drug most linked to birth defects, but there has been little information as to the safety of alternatives.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2011