Bioavailability of valproic acid under fasting/nonfasting regimens.

Valporic acid absorption was faster from a syrup than from a capsule form. Peak serum levels occurred with an hour with the syrup formulation. The drug was absorbed more rapidly when administered fasting and immediately before meal compared with immediately after meal. The extent of absorption from each formulation and for each meal regimen was similar. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of the data indicate a serum half-life of 12 hours.