Amide derivative of valproic acid that is metabolized in the liver to valproic acid.To view the complete bibliography, see entry on valproic acid. Valproic acid is excreted in breast milk in clinically non-significant amount without problems in the short or long term in infants whose mothers were treated. Plasma levels of these infants were undetectable or very low. Cognitive development did not suffer any alteration. An infant was presented with thrombocytopenic purpura and anemia who recovered after removing valproate in the mother. However, doubts were raised on whether it was instead a post-viral reaction that led to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The administration of valproic acid does not affect prolactin levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics rates it as usual compatible with breastfeeding medication.WHO List of Essential Medicines 2002: compatible with breastfeeding.