What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Divalproex and ertapenem
Divalproex's FDA label of March 31, 2026 names ertapenem in its drug interactions section, and ertapenem's label names divalproex too. The ertapenem label: “… therefore not recommended. The concomitant use of ertapenem and valproic acid/divalproex sodium is generally not recommended.”
Check it at the source: the divalproex FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 31, 2026, AbbVie Inc.); the ertapenem FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 4, 2026, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC).
What does the divalproex label say about ertapenem?
Divalproex label, drug interactionsCarbapenem Antibiotics A clinically significant reduction in serum valproic acid concentration has been reported in patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics (for example, ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem; this is not a complete list) and may result in loss of seizure control.
Divalproex label, warnings and precautionsCarbapenem antibiotics (for example, ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem; this is not a complete list) may reduce serum valproate concentrations to subtherapeutic levels, resulting in loss of seizure control.
Source: FDA drug label (Depakote), AbbVie Inc., effective March 31, 2026 (SPL set 08a65cf4-7749-4ceb-6895-8f4805e2b01f), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the ertapenem label say about divalproex?
Ertapenem label, drug interactionsDRUG INTERACTIONS Co-administration with probenecid inhibits the renal excretion of ertapenem and is therefore not recommended. ( 7.1 ) The concomitant use of ertapenem and valproic acid/divalproex sodium is generally not recommended.
Ertapenem label, warnings and precautionsWARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving β-lactams. ( 5.1 ) Seizures and other central nervous system adverse experiences have been reported during treatment. ( 5.2 ) Co-administration of INVANZ with valproic acid or divalproex sodium reduces the serum concentration of valproic acid potentially increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. ( 5.3 ) Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (ranging from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis):
Source: FDA drug label (INVANZ), Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, effective February 4, 2026 (SPL set 33f3b99b-fa82-42e0-26bf-f49891ae3d22), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Divalproex | Ertapenem | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bipolar disorder, Migraine, Seizures and epilepsy | Urinary tract infections |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.194 per tablet 500 mg tablet | $26.63 per vial 1 gram vial |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once