What are the primary uses of Keppra. How should Keppra be taken for optimal effectiveness. What are the most common side effects of Keppra. How does Keppra work to control seizures. What precautions should be taken when using Keppra.

Understanding Keppra: An Anticonvulsant for Seizure Management

Keppra, also known by its generic name levetiracetam, is a widely prescribed medication for the treatment of epilepsy. As an anticonvulsant, its primary function is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with epilepsy. But how exactly does Keppra work to control seizures?

Keppra operates by binding to a specific protein in the brain called SV2A. This interaction is believed to modulate neurotransmitter release, effectively stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. By doing so, it helps prevent the abnormal electrical discharges that lead to seizures, offering patients a better quality of life and improved seizure control.

Proper Administration of Keppra: Dosage and Guidelines

Administering Keppra correctly is crucial for its effectiveness and safety. The medication is available in various forms, including regular-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and a liquid formulation. Each form has specific guidelines for use:

• Regular-release tablets and liquid: Usually taken twice daily, with or without food
• Extended-release tablets: Typically taken once daily

How should the dosage be determined? The appropriate dosage of Keppra is based on several factors:

1. The patient’s medical condition
2. Response to treatment
3. Weight (particularly important in pediatric patients)

To minimize the risk of side effects, doctors often start patients on a low dose and gradually increase it. This approach allows the body to adjust to the medication while monitoring its effectiveness in controlling seizures.

Special Considerations for Liquid Formulation

When using the liquid form of Keppra, accurate measurement is essential. Patients should use a special measuring device or spoon provided by their pharmacist. Why is this important? Using a standard household spoon can lead to inaccurate dosing, potentially affecting the medication’s efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects.

Potential Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Seek Help

Like all medications, Keppra can cause side effects. While many patients tolerate the drug well, it’s important to be aware of potential adverse reactions. What are the most common side effects of Keppra?

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

These effects are typically more pronounced during the first four weeks of treatment and often diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider.

In some cases, more serious side effects may occur. These require immediate medical attention and include:

• Loss of coordination
• Mental/mood changes (e.g., irritability, aggression, anxiety)
• Signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever, chills)
• Symptoms of anemia (e.g., unusual persistent tiredness, pale skin, rapid breathing or heartbeat)
• Easy bruising or bleeding

The Risk of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

A small percentage of individuals taking anticonvulsants, including Keppra, may experience depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues. Why is this risk important to acknowledge? Early recognition of these symptoms can lead to prompt intervention and appropriate management. Patients and their caregivers should be vigilant for any sudden or unusual changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior, and report them to a healthcare provider immediately.

Drug Interactions: Ensuring Safe and Effective Treatment

Understanding potential drug interactions is crucial for patients taking Keppra. Why is this knowledge important? Certain medications can affect how Keppra works in the body, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

While Keppra generally has fewer drug interactions compared to some other antiepileptic medications, it’s still essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re taking, including:

• Prescription drugs
• Over-the-counter medications
• Herbal supplements
• Vitamins

Some medications that may interact with Keppra include:

1. Other antiepileptic drugs
2. Certain antibiotics
3. Some antidepressants

Your healthcare provider can assess potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan if necessary to ensure optimal seizure control while minimizing risks.

Precautions and Special Considerations for Keppra Use

Before starting Keppra, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider. Certain conditions may affect how you respond to the medication or increase the risk of side effects. What precautions should be taken when using Keppra?

• Kidney disease: Patients with kidney problems may require dosage adjustments
• Mental health disorders: A history of depression or other mental health issues may influence treatment decisions
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The potential risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated

Additionally, Keppra can cause dizziness and drowsiness, particularly during the initial stages of treatment. This effect may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. It’s advisable to avoid these activities until you know how the medication affects you.

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of Keppra and may also increase the risk of seizures. Patients are typically advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication. If you choose to drink alcohol, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to understand the potential risks and receive appropriate guidance.

Long-term Use and Discontinuation of Keppra

Keppra is often prescribed for long-term use to manage epilepsy effectively. However, patients should never abruptly stop taking the medication without consulting their healthcare provider. Why is gradual discontinuation important?

Suddenly stopping Keppra can lead to an increase in seizure frequency or severity. In some cases, it may even trigger a prolonged seizure known as status epilepticus, which is a medical emergency. If discontinuation of Keppra is necessary, your doctor will typically recommend a gradual reduction in dosage over time to minimize these risks.

Monitoring During Long-term Use

Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential when using Keppra long-term. These appointments allow for:

• Assessment of seizure control
• Monitoring of side effects
• Blood tests to check kidney function and other relevant parameters
• Adjustments to the treatment plan if needed

Patients should keep a seizure diary to track the frequency, duration, and nature of their seizures. This information can be invaluable in assessing the medication’s effectiveness and making informed decisions about treatment.

Keppra in Special Populations: Pediatric and Geriatric Use

Keppra is approved for use in both children and adults, but special considerations apply to different age groups. How does Keppra use differ in pediatric and geriatric populations?

Pediatric Use

In children, Keppra is often used as an adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures. The dosage is typically based on the child’s weight, and the liquid formulation may be preferred for easier administration and dosage adjustment. Parents and caregivers should be particularly vigilant for behavioral changes in children taking Keppra, as they may be more susceptible to mood-related side effects.

Geriatric Use

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Keppra, particularly if they have reduced kidney function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary, and healthcare providers often start with lower doses in this population. Regular monitoring of kidney function is especially important in elderly patients taking Keppra.

In both pediatric and geriatric populations, the balance between seizure control and minimizing side effects is crucial. Close collaboration with healthcare providers is essential to achieve optimal outcomes.

Managing Side Effects and Optimizing Treatment with Keppra

While Keppra is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects that impact their quality of life. How can these side effects be managed effectively?

• Drowsiness and fatigue: Taking the medication at bedtime or splitting the dose may help
• Dizziness: Rising slowly from a sitting or lying position can reduce this effect
• Mood changes: Regular exercise, stress management techniques, and in some cases, additional medications may be beneficial

It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience. They may be able to adjust your dosage, change the timing of your doses, or recommend strategies to mitigate these effects.

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to medication, certain lifestyle modifications can help optimize seizure control:

1. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
2. Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
3. Avoiding known seizure triggers
4. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet

These lifestyle changes, when combined with proper medication use, can contribute to better overall seizure management and improved quality of life for patients with epilepsy.

Keppra Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Levetiracetam is used to treat seizures (epilepsy). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants. Levetiracetam may decrease the number of seizures you have.

How to use Keppra

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking levetiracetam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take the liquid and regular-release tablets by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily with or without food. Crushing or chewing the tablet may cause a bitter taste.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

If you are using the extended-release tablets, take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the extended-release tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage in children is also based on weight. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as dizziness and drowsiness), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose should be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your seizures lasts, change, or gets worse.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or weakness may occur. These side effects are more common during the first 4 weeks and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, such as: loss of coordination (such as difficulty walking and controlling muscles), mental/mood changes (such as irritability, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety), signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills), signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness that doesn’t go away, pale skin, fast breathing, fast heartbeat), easy bruising/bleeding.

A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.

Levetiracetam can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any rash.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www. fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking levetiracetam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease (such as dialysis treatment), mental/mood disorders (such as depression).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy, especially during the first month of treatment. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, ride a bicycle, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as irritability, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide). Children younger than 4 years may be at greater risk for increased blood pressure while using this drug (see also Notes section).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness or loss of coordination. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: orlistat.

Does Keppra interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include slow/shallow breathing, loss of consciousness.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are taking this medication. In children younger than 4 years, blood pressure may also be monitored. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Keppra 1,000 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: oblongImprint: ucb 1000

This medicine is a white, oblong, scored, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “ucb 1000”.

Keppra 750 mg tablet

Color: orangeShape: oblongImprint: ucb 750

This medicine is a white, oblong, scored, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “ucb 1000”.

Keppra 250 mg tablet

Color: blueShape: oblongImprint: ucb 250

This medicine is a white, oblong, scored, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “ucb 1000”.

Keppra 500 mg tablet

Color: yellowShape: oblongImprint: ucb 500

This medicine is a white, oblong, scored, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “ucb 1000”.

Keppra 100 mg/mL oral solution

Color: colorlessShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, oblong, scored, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “ucb 1000”.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Keppra – Uses, Side Effects, Interactions

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Levetiracetam belongs to the class of medications called antiepileptics. It is used in combination with other seizure-control medications to treat and prevent seizures associated with epilepsy. Levetiracetam does not cure epilepsy and only works to control seizures as long as the medication is taken. Levetiracetam works by affecting the transmission of nerve signals in the brain.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

250 mg
Each blue, oblong, film-coated tablet, debossed with “ucb” and “250” on one side, contains 250 mg of levetiracetam. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica, FD&C Blue No. 2 (indigo carmine Aluminum Lake), magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyethylene glycol 6000, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium croscarmellose, talc, and titanium dioxide.

500 mg
Each yellow, oblong, film-coated tablet, debossed with “ucb” and “500” on one side, contains 500 mg of levetiracetam. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica, iron oxide yellow, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyethylene glycol 6000, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium croscarmellose, talc, and titanium dioxide.

750 mg
Each orange, oblong, film-coated tablet, debossed with “ucb” and “750” on one side, contains 750 mg of levetiracetam. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica, FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow FCF Aluminum Lake) and iron oxide red, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyethylene glycol 6000, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium croscarmellose, talc, and titanium dioxide.

How should I use this medication?

The usual recommended starting dose of levetiracetam for an adult is 500 mg taken 2 times daily, with or without food according to your doctor’s instructions. This dose may be increased to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day, according to need and as prescribed by your doctor. People with poor kidney function may need a lower dose.

The dose for children is based on body weight and will be calculated by your child’s doctor.

Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.  Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children. Any liquid medication remaining in the bottle after 7 months should be safely discarded.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to levetiracetam or any ingredients of the medication.

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• decreased appetite
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• hair loss
• infection such as the common cold
• weakness

Although most of these side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abnormal thoughts or behaviour, hallucinations, or paranoia
• loss of memory or problems with memory
• mood or behaviour changes (e. g., aggression, hostility, rage, anxiety, excitation)
• muscle pain or weakness (especially if accompanied by dark urine)
• problems with muscle control or coordination
• sensation of spinning
• signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody nose, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of infection (symptoms may include fever or chills, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, weight loss, or listlessness)
• toothache
• unexplained bruising

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
• symptoms of an allergic reaction (e. g., difficulty breathing, hives, itchy skin rash, or swelling of the mouth or throat)
• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
• worsening seizures

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Anemia: Levetiracetam may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.

Behaviour problems: Some people have reported changes in behaviour associated with taking levetiracetam. There have been occasional reports of aggressive behaviour, anxiety, hostility, and mood swings for people with or without a history of having these problems. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience these feelings or behaviours.

Blood pressure: Children between the ages of 1 month and 4 years are at risk of developing high blood pressure while being treated with levetiracetam. Your child’s doctor will monitor this.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: People with uncontrolled epilepsy should not drive or handle potentially dangerous machinery. Levetiracetam may cause drowsiness or problems with muscle control. If you are taking this medication, do not participate in activities requiring mental alertness or physical coordination until you have determined how this medication affects you.

Heart rhythm: In rare cases, this medication may cause abnormal heart rhythms. If you experience shortness of breath or a slow or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately. If you have any heart conditions or are taking medications that affect your heartbeat, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Hypersensitivity syndrome: A severe allergic reaction called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of levetiracetam. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.

Infection: Levetiracetam can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If you experience fever, sore throat, fatigue, weakness, or generally feel unwell while taking levetiracetam, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.

Kidney disease: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with poor kidney function may need a lower dose of levetiracetam.

Liver function: In rare cases, levetiracetam has been reported to cause liver failure or inflammation of the liver. Your doctor may monitor your liver function with occasional blood work. If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.  

Skin rash: Rarely, people taking levetiracetam experience a severe skin reaction that can be life-threatening. If you experience a rash that gets worse, or develops into blisters, sores on the lips or eyes or covers a large area of the body, contact your doctor immediately.

Stopping the medication: As with other medications used to control seizures, stopping this medication suddenly is not recommended because of the possibility of increased seizure frequency. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviour: Occasionally, people taking this medication may experience thoughts of suicide. If you experience these symptoms or any other behaviour change while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Family members or caregivers of people who are taking this medication should contact the person’s doctor immediately if they notice unusual behaviour changes.

Pregnancy: Levetiracetam may cause harm to the developing baby if the mother takes it when she is pregnant. This medication should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking levetiracetam, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 1 month of age with partial onset seizures. The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for the treatment of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures for children under the age of 12 years.  

Seniors: Seniors may need a lower dose of levetiracetam.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between levetiracetam and any of the following:

• alcohol
• antihistamines (e. g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
• azelastine
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam)
• brimonidine
• buprenorphine
• buspirone
• cannabis
• chloral hydrate
• clonidine
• dimenhydrinate
• efavirenz
• entacapone
• general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
• kava kava
• lemborexant
• mefloquine
• methotrexate
• metoclopramide
• mirtazapine
• muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone)
• orlistat
• pramipexole
• rivaroxaban
• ropinirole
• rotigotine
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e. g., carbamazepine, clobazam, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate, valproic acid, zonisamide)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
• sodium oxybate
• tapentadol
• tramadol
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
• zolpidem
• zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Keppra

Keppra Tablets p/o 500mg №60

Health City Pharmacy (Zhivika)

from 08:00 to 20:00

Data from: 07/07/2023

Yaroslavl, Krasnoperevalsky per. 006 1 849.00 rub.

Available 2 pcs.

usb pharma s.a.

Health City Pharmacy (Zhivika)

from 08:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m. 1 849.00 rub.

Available 3 pcs.

usb pharma s.a.

Health City Pharmacy (Zhivika)

from 09:00 to 20:00

Data from: 07/07/2023

Yaroslavl, st. Uritskogo, 14/508(4852)57-48-68
8(4852)98-58-48

1 852.00 rub.

Available 1 pcs.

usb pharma s.a.

Pharmacy Apteka.ru

from 09:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m. 06 1 852.00 rub.

Available 1 pcs.

usb pharmaceutical sector

Economy Pharmacy

from 09:00 a. m. to 09:00 p.m. 006 1 855.00 rub.

Available 1 pcs.

usb pharmaceutical sector

Health City Pharmacy (Zhivika)

from 08:00 to 20:00

Data from: 07/06/2023

Yaroslavl, st. Industrialnaya, 31/148(4852)46-70-03

1 860.00 r.

Available 2 pcs.

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Antey

from 08:00 to 21:00

Data from: 07/08/2023

Yaroslavl, st. Gagarina, 288(4852)48-47-44

1 871.00 r.

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ucb

Health City Pharmacy (Zhivika)

from 08:00 to 20:00

Data from: 07/07/2023

Yaroslavl, st. Malanova, 58-980-650-76-78

1 874.00 r.

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2050100All

Keppra film-coated tablets 500 mg blister #60

Keppra® tablets are used for the following indications: -years of age who were diagnosed with epilepsy for the first time; as an additional therapy in the treatment of: partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults, adolescents and children over 6 years of age with epilepsy; myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy; primary generalized convulsive (tonic-clonic) seizures in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Composition

Active ingredient – levetiracetam (one tablet contains 500 mg of levetiracetam).

Excipients: croscarmellose sodium, macrogol 6000, anhydrous colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate.

Film coating: Opadry 85F32004: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide (E 171), macrogol 3350, talc, iron oxide yellow (E172).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or other pyrrolidone derivatives, or to any excipients of the drug.

Directions for use

Tablets should be taken orally with plenty of liquid, with or without food. When taken orally, levetiracetam may have a bitter taste. Divide the daily dose into two equal doses.

Monotherapy

Adults and adolescents over 16 years of age. Monotherapy in adults and children over 16 years of age should begin with the recommended dose of 500 mg/day (250 mg 2 times a day) followed by an increase in the initial therapeutic dose to 1000 mg/day (up to 500 mg 2 times a day) after two weeks. It is possible to increase the dose by 500 mg / day (250 mg 2 times a day) every two weeks, depending on the clinical effect. The maximum daily dose is 3000 mg / day (1500 mg 2 times a day).

Children and adolescents under 16 years of age. The safety and efficacy of Keppra® in children and adolescents under 16 years of age as monotherapy have not been established. No data available.

Adjunctive therapy

Adjunctive therapy for adults (≥ 18 years of age) and adolescents (aged 12 to 17 years) weighing 50 kg or more. The initial therapeutic dose is 1000 mg / day (500 mg 2 times a day). This is the starting dose given on the first day of treatment. Depending on the clinical picture and tolerability of the drug, the daily dose can be increased to a maximum of 3000 mg / day (1500 mg 2 times a day). Dose adjustments of 1000 mg/day (500 mg twice daily) can be made every 2 to 4 weeks.

Complementary therapy for children 6 years of age and older and adolescents (12 to 17 years of age) weighing less than 50 kg. The lowest effective dose should be used. The initial dose for a child or adolescent weighing 25 kg should be 250 mg twice a day, the maximum dose is 750 mg twice a day. For children weighing more than 50 kg, doses are prescribed according to the scheme given for adults. For infants and children under 6 years of age, it is advisable to use Keppra® in the form of an oral solution.

Application notes

Pregnant women

Special advice should be given to women of reproductive age. Treatment with levetiracetam should be reconsidered if a woman is planning a pregnancy. As with all antiepileptic drugs, abrupt withdrawal of levetiracetam should be avoided, as this can lead to an attack of seizures, which can have serious consequences for the woman and the unborn child. Monotherapy should be preferred whenever possible, as treatment with multiple antiepileptic drugs may be associated with a higher risk of birth defects than with monotherapy, depending on the drug combination.

Levetiracetam may be used during pregnancy if considered clinically necessary after careful evaluation. In this case, it is recommended to use the lowest effective dose.

Levetiracetam passes into a woman’s breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended. However, if levetiracetam is to be used during breastfeeding, the benefits and risks of treatment should be weighed against the importance of breastfeeding.

No effects on reproduction in animal studies. The potential risk to humans is unknown because there are no clinical data available.

Children

The physician must prescribe the most appropriate dosage form, dosage and form of release, depending on age, body weight and calculated dose.

The tablet formulation is not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age.

Drivers

Levetiracetam slightly or moderately affects the ability to drive vehicles and operate other mechanisms. Due to possible individual sensitivity, some patients may experience drowsiness or other symptoms associated with effects on the central nervous system, especially at the beginning of treatment or during dose increases.