Can I give my son Epilex tablet instead of syrup?

Q: I have a seven years old son who weighs 19 kg and suffers from epilepsy. Can I give him Epilex tablet (200 mg) instead of Epilex syrup 5ml, which has been prescribed by the paediatrician?

A:Epilex, both in tablet and suspension forms, contains the same medicine called sodium valproate. For a seven-year-old child weighing 19kg, the normal initial dose is 20 mg per kg i.e. 380 mg (about 400 mg) daily. This dose is however adjusted to keep seizure control. The child can safely be given tablets instead of suspension in the prescribed dose. As a matter of fact, tablets will be more convenient for a seven-year-old child.