Drug interactions
Difelikefalin + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Difelikefalin and Valproic acid: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Difelikefalin is a peripherally restricted kappa-opioid agonist that can cause somnolence and dizziness. Valproate adds CNS depression, so drowsiness may be more pronounced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Difelikefalin and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Difelikefalin belongs to Dermatology; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive sedative effects of kappa-opioid agonism and valproate.
What to do
Monitor for drowsiness, dizziness and falls, particularly in dialysis patients. Reduce doses or reassess therapy if sedation becomes problematic.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Other interactions of Difelikefalin
- Acetazolamide + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Alprazolam + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Amantadine + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Amobarbital + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Asenapine + Difelikefalin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Difelikefalin with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Difelikefalin and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Difelikefalin is a peripherally restricted kappa-opioid agonist that can cause somnolence and dizziness. Valproate adds CNS depression, so drowsiness may be more pronounced.
How serious is the interaction between Difelikefalin and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for drowsiness, dizziness and falls, particularly in dialysis patients. Reduce doses or reassess therapy if sedation becomes problematic.
What other medicines interact with Valproic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Valproic acid with, for example, Ertapenem, Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam, Imipenem / cilastatin. The full list is on the Valproic acid page.
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