Abstract, published in Epilepsy & Behavior
Objective: Delayed or missed doses are unavoidable in the pharmacotherapy of epilepsy and significantly compromise the efficacy of antiepileptic drug treatment. An inappropriate remedial regimen can cause seizure relapse or serious adverse events. This study investigated the effect of delayed or missed doses on the metabolism of valproic acid (VPA) in patients with epilepsy and established remedial dosing recommendations for nonadherent patients.
Methods:. The following four remedial strategies were investigated for each delayed dose: A) A partial dose or a regular dose is taken immediately; a regular dose is taken at the next scheduled time. B) The delayed dose was administered immediately, followed by a partial dose at the next scheduled time. C) The delayed dose and a partial dose are taken; the next scheduled time is skipped, and the regular regimen is resumed. D) Double doses are taken when missed one dose or two doses, and the regular regimen at the subsequent scheduled time is resumed.
Results: The recommended remedial dose was related to the delay duration and daily dose. Remedial dosing strategies A and B were almost equivalent, whereas strategy C was recommended when the delayed dose was close to the next scheduled dose. strategy D was only suggested for delayed two doses.