Drug interactions
Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid
Severity: Contraindicated
Meropenem / vaborbactam and Valproic acid: contraindicated 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
Meropenem markedly reduces serum valproate concentrations, and breakthrough seizures have been reported. Vaborbactam is not the cause, but the meropenem component makes the combination hazardous.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meropenem / vaborbactam and Valproic acid are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Carbapenems inhibit acylpeptide hydrolase, preventing hydrolysis of valproate glucuronide back to valproate, and may reduce absorption or increase red cell uptake.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use a non-carbapenem antibiotic. If a carbapenem is essential, add alternative anticonvulsant cover and monitor valproate levels closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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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 + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
- Cilastatin-imipenem + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meropenem / vaborbactam with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Meropenem / vaborbactam and Valproic acid are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Meropenem markedly reduces serum valproate concentrations, and breakthrough seizures have been reported. Vaborbactam is not the cause, but the meropenem component makes the combination hazardous.
How serious is the interaction between Meropenem / vaborbactam and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and use a non-carbapenem antibiotic. If a carbapenem is essential, add alternative anticonvulsant cover and monitor valproate levels closely.
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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