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Levetiracetam - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Levetiracetam

Generic Name : Levetiracetam
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Levetiracetam are provided here.

Pronunciation : LEE-va-tye-RA-se-tam

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Levetiracetam, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y46.6 Therapeutic Classification : Anticonvulsants

Trade Names/Brand Names of Levetiracetam

India :

International :


Keppra

Why is Levetiracetam Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an anticonvulsant, prescribed for partial seizures. It works by reducing the activity in the brain. It can be used alone or with other antiepileptic medications.

When should Levetiracetam not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Levetiracetam?

PO/IV- Adjunct in partial seizures- Initial: 500 mg twice daily on the 1st day, may increase gradually. Max: 3 g/day.
Monotherapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization- Initial: 500 mg/day, may increase gradually. Max: 3 g/day.

How should Levetiracetam be taken?

May be taken with or without food. (Oral solution should be diluted in a glass of water.) Administer IV levetiracetam as 15-min infusion following dilution in 100 ml of a compatible diluent.

What are the warnings and precautions for Levetiracetam?

•Caution should be exercised in patients with history of liver or kidney problems, allergic reactions, patients undergoing haemodialysis, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Patient may develop mood changes, suicidal thoughts.

• It may impair ability to drive or operate machinery during initial therapy.

What are the side effects of Levetiracetam?

Central Nervous System- Drowsiness, weakness, headache, hostility, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, personality disorder, irritability, agitation, emotional lability, depression, mood swings, vertigo, anxiety, unsteadiness, seizures, memory loss, confusion, increased reflexes, tingling, aggression and suicidal behavior.
Skin- Itching, skin discoloration, rash and loss of hair.
Eye and ENT- Inflammation of nasopharynx, stuffy nose, inflammation of conjunctiva, blurred vision, double vision and ear pain.
Gastrointestinal- Vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, gastroenteritis, constipation and inflammation of pancreas.
Genitourinary- Albumin in urine and urine abnormality.
Blood- Easy bruising, deficiency of all three blood cell types (with bone marrow suppression in some cases).
Liver- Abnormal LFTs (liver function test), liver failure and inflammation.
Metabolic- Dehydration and weight loss.
Musculoskeletal- Neck pain.
Respiratory- Increased cough, asthma and sinusitis.
Miscellaneous-Accidental injury, infection, influenza, pain, flu syndrome, face edema and viral infection.

What are the other precautions for Levetiracetam?

Do not change the dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Levetiracetam?

Intravenous: Once reconstituted store at 15-30°C and use within 24 hr. Store tablets, oral solution, and undiluted IV injection at 15-30°C.
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