Effect of food on the serum concentration profile of enteric-coated valproic acid.

We evaluated the effect of food on the serum concentration profile of enteric-coated divalproex sodium (EC-VPA) in six adult volunteers following a single dose and in six patients during chronic-dose administration. The results demonstrated a significant delay but no decrease in extent of EC-VPA absorption following administration with food. To monitor serum concentrations in patients receiving EC-VPA, consideration of sampling time in relation both to time of dose and meals is required.