Pharmacokinetics and anticonvulsant activity of three monoesteric prodrugs of valproic acid.

The pharmacokinetics of valproic acid (VPA) were compared in dogs with those of the prodrugs ethyl valproate (E-VPA), trichloroethyl valproate (T-VPA), and valproyl valproate (V-VPA). Valproic acid, E-VPA, T-VPA, and V-VPA were administered intravenously and orally to six dogs at equimolar doses. The three VPA prodrugs were rapidly converted to VPA. The biotransformation was complete in the case of E-VPA and T-VPA but was only partial in the case of V-VPA. Because of the rapid conversion to the parent drug, after administration of the prodrugs, VPA plasma levels did not yield a sustained-release profile. Further, the anticonvulsant activity of prodrugs was compared in mice to that of VPA and valpromide (VPD). The anticonvulsant activity of E-VPA, T-VPA, and V-VPA was less than that of VPA.