To determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of parenteral sodium valp
roate healthy mature greyhound dogs, were given intramuscular injectio
ns following intravenous injections. Dosings intravenously and intramu
scularly were at 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg in the three groups. Intravenous
infusion rates were constant. Sodium valproate solution concentrations
of 300, 400 and 500 mg/ml were administered. Intramuscular valproate
was quickly absorbed. Bio-availability approached 70%. Half life of 12
0 min was calculated. Toxic muscle necrosis was observed at all concen
trations. Dosing valproate intramuscularly in humans is problematic in
view of the muscle damage. Despite tissue damage sodium valproate was
well absorbed intramuscularly. The intravenous injection of valproate
at high concentrations, large doses and fast infusion rates produced
no evidence of cardiotoxicity and levels of 180 mu g/ml. (C) 1997 Else
vier Science B.V.