Valproic Acid in the ICU for Agitation and Delirium Up to 70% of ICU patients experience agitation or delirium Opioids and benzodiazepines used for pain & agitation can worsen delirium Antipsychotics are not supported by guidelines for delirium due to lack of efficacy Proposed ICU benefits: 1. Allows patient-caregiver interaction 2. Can be administered outside of the ICU 3. IV + enteral formulations 4. Cost effective SAFETY: Hepatotoxicity: 2-5%, Thrombocytopenia: 9-13%, Hyperammonemia: 6-19% Alyssa Sykuta @ASykedPharmD #Valproic #Acid #VPA #Agitation #Delirium #pharmacology #criticalcare
