Safety of rapid intravenous loading of valproate.

Background: The introduction of IV valproic acid (VPA) has facilitated its use in situations where oral administration is not feasible. The present study was designed to evaluate the safety of administration of undiluted VPA (20 or 30 mg/kg/min) administered intravenously at rates of 6 or 10 mg/kg/min.

Methods: Forty patients received a VPA loading dose (20 or 30 mg/kg) at 6 or 10 mg/kg/min.