MedDataToolLevetiracetam is a medication used to treat different types of seizures, including partial-onset seizures in patients as young as 1 month old, myoclonic seizures in those 12 years and older, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 6 years and older. It works by affecting certain proteins in the brain that help control the release of chemicals involved in seizures. The medication is taken orally, either as tablets or a liquid solution, usually twice a day, starting with 500 mg for adults and 7 mg/kg for young children, with a maximum dose of 1500 mg for adults and 30 mg/kg for children. It's important to avoid taking this medication if you have a known allergy to levetiracetam, as it can cause serious allergic reactions. Additionally, if you are taking other medications that affect liver enzymes, such as carbamazepine, it may change how levetiracetam works in your body.
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Uses
- Partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month and older.
- Myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
- Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 6 years and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
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Dosage
Adults 16 years and older: 500 mg twice daily, increase to 1500 mg twice daily.
Pediatric patients 1 month to < 6 months: 7 mg/kg twice daily, increase to 21 mg/kg twice daily.
Pediatric patients 6 months to < 4 years: 10 mg/kg twice daily, increase to 25 mg/kg twice daily.
Pediatric patients 4 years to < 16 years: 10 mg/kg twice daily, increase to 30 mg/kg twice daily.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
somnolencefatigueinfectiondizzinessirritability
Serious
suicidal behavioranaphylaxissevere skin reactionscoordination difficulties
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal to prevent increased seizures.
- Adjust dose for patients with kidney problems.
- Monitor for behavior changes and mood swings.
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Drug interactions
- Phenytoinno effect on each other's levelsCaution
- Valproateno effect on each other's levelsCaution
- Oral contraceptivesno effect on efficacyCaution
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).