Description
Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg)
Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg) is an anti-epileptic medication designed to manage and treat seizures in individuals with epilepsy. This versatile medicine can be taken alone or alongside other antiepileptic drugs. It functions by suppressing abnormal electrical activity in the brain, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. Regular administration, ideally at the same time each day, ensures optimal effectiveness. Consult your doctor to determine the most suitable dosage and continue the prescribed course even if you feel well.
Uses Of ‘Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg)’
- Treatment of Myoclonic Seizures
- Treatment of Partial-Onset Seizures
- Treatment of Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures
- Reduction of Seizure-Related Symptoms
- Enabling Engagement in High-Risk Activities
Treatment of Myoclonic Seizures: Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg) helps control quick, involuntary muscle jerks by modulating electrical activity in the brain.
Treatment of Partial-Onset Seizures: This medicine is effective in treating partial seizures where abnormal brain activities involve only one part of the brain.
Treatment of Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg) aids in managing these severe seizures, characterized by convulsions and muscle stiffening.
Reduction of Seizure-Related Symptoms: The medication helps alleviate symptoms like confusion, uncontrollable jerking, and loss of awareness.
Enabling Engagement in High-Risk Activities: By reducing seizure frequency, the tablet may allow patients to safely undertake activities such as driving and swimming that they might have avoided due to epilepsy.
Safety & Precautions
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems.
- Discuss any history of depression or suicidal thoughts.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication.
- Regular blood tests may be required to monitor kidney function.
- Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor.
- Ensure to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain constant blood levels.
- Report any mood changes or behavioral alterations to your doctor.
- Be cautious about driving or operating machinery due to potential dizziness and drowsiness.
- Reduce dosage under medical advice if you have severe liver disease.
Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Behavioral changes
- Aggressive behavior
- Irritation
- Agitation
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Infection
- Convulsion
- Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Vertigo
- Lethargy
FAQ
1. How should I take Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg)?
You should take Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it’s important to take it at the same time each day to maintain even blood levels. Avoid missing doses as it may trigger a seizure. Do not crush or chew the tablet; swallow it whole with a glass of water.
2. Can I consume alcohol while taking Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg)?
No, it is unsafe to consume alcohol while taking Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg). Alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication, such as dizziness and drowsiness, which can be particularly dangerous. It can also exacerbate the frequency and severity of seizures.
3. What should I do if I miss a dose of Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg)?
If you miss a dose of Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg), take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Missing doses can worsen your condition and trigger a seizure.
4. Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg)?
There are no specific dietary restrictions while taking Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg). However, maintaining a balanced diet can help manage overall health. If you have any particular dietary concerns or restrictions, discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure compatibility with your treatment plan.
5. Can Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg) affect my mood or behavior?
Yes, Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg) can cause mood changes and behavioral alterations in some individuals. These may include irritability, aggression, agitation, and in rare cases, thoughts of self-harm. It is crucial to report any mood changes or unusual behavior to your doctor immediately for appropriate management.
6. Is Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg) safe during pregnancy?
Levipil 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg) is generally considered safe during pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor. Most studies have indicated low or no risk to the developing baby. However, it’s important to discuss your condition and treatment options with your healthcare provider to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
Additional Information
Dosages of Levetiracetam
Accurate dosage of levetiracetam is crucial for effective seizure management. Different forms and strengths are available for both adults and pediatric patients. Below is a comprehensive guide.
| Dosage Forms | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Tablet, immediate-release (Keppra, Generic) | 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1 g |
| 3-D Tablet, immediate-release (Spritam) | 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1 g |
| Tablet, extended-release (Keppra XR) | 500 mg, 750 mg |
| Oral Solution (Keppra, Generic) | 100 mg/mL |
| Injectable Solution | 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 15 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL |
Dosage Considerations
Levetiracetam dosing varies based on the type of seizure being treated, the age of the patient, and renal function. Below are detailed recommendations for various conditions:
Myoclonic Seizures
- Adult Immediate-release (Keppra, Spritam): Start with 500 mg IV/orally every 12 hours; may increase by 500 mg every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 1500 mg every 12 hours. Effectiveness of doses less than 3000 mg/day has not been adequately studied.
- Pediatric (Keppra, Spritam): Safety and efficacy for children under 12 years are not established. For children 12 years and older, start with 500 mg orally every 12 hours and may increase to 1500 mg every 12 hours.
Partial Onset Seizures
- Adult Immediate-release (Keppra, Spritam): Start with 500 mg orally every 12 hours; may increase by 500 mg every 2 weeks. Maximum dose is 3000 mg/day.
- Extended-release (Keppra XR): Start with 1000 mg orally once/day; may increase by 1000 mg/day every 2 weeks, not to exceed 3000 mg/day.
- Pediatric:
- Children under 1 month: Safety and efficacy not established.
- Children 1-6 months: Start with 7 mg/kg orally every 12 hours; may increase to 21 mg/kg every 12 hours.
- Children 6 months-4 years: Start with 10 mg/kg orally every 12 hours; may increase to 25 mg/kg every 12 hours.
- Children 4-16 years: Start with 10 mg/kg orally every 12 hours; may increase to 30 mg/kg every 12 hours.
- Children over 16 years: Start with 500 mg orally every 12 hours; may increase to 1500 mg every 12 hours.
Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures
- Adult Immediate-release (Keppra, Spritam): Start with 500 mg IV/orally every 12 hours; may increase every 2 weeks to 1500 mg every 12 hours. Effectiveness of doses less than 3000 mg/day has not been adequately studied.
- Pediatric:
- Children under 6 years: Safety and efficacy not established.
- Children 6-16 years: Start with 10 mg/kg orally every 12 hours; may increase to 30 mg/kg every 12 hours.
Renal Impairment Adjustments
| Renal Function (CrCl) | Immediate Release and IV | Extended Release |
|---|---|---|
| >80 mL/min/1.73 m² | No adjustment needed | No adjustment needed |
| 50-80 mL/min/1.73 m² | 500-1000 mg orally every 12 hours | 1000-2000 mg orally every 24 hours |
| 30-50 mL/min/1.73 m² | 250-750 mg orally every 12 hours | 500-1500 mg orally every 24 hours |
| <30 mL/min/1.73 m² | 250-500 mg orally every 12 hours | 500-1000 mg orally every 24 hours |
| End-stage renal disease | Immediate release form recommended | Immediate release form recommended |
Drug Interactions
It is essential to be aware of potential drug interactions when taking levetiracetam. Though levetiracetam has no known severe or serious interactions, moderate and mild interactions do exist. A summary is provided below.
Moderate Interactions
- Deutetrabenazine
- Lurasidone
- Orlistat
- Sevelamer
Mild Interactions
Levetiracetam has mild interactions with at least 21 different drugs. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to ensure safety.
Sources and detailed information can be checked with your physician and pharmacist. Regular monitoring can help mitigate risks associated with drug interactions.
Pregnancy and Lactation
The physiological changes during pregnancy can significantly impact therapeutic plasma concentrations, particularly during the third trimester. Close monitoring of serum levels of levetiracetam is recommended during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Pregnancy
- Use with caution; benefits should outweigh risks.
- Serum levels should be closely monitored due to intravascular volume expansion and other physiological changes.
Lactation
- Levetiracetam is excreted in breast milk.
- Not recommended for use while breastfeeding.
Conclusion
This comprehensive overview contains pertinent information on the dosages, potential drug interactions, and specific considerations for pregnancy and lactation for patients using levetiracetam. For detailed information related to side effects, safety precautions, and a basic drug description, please consult the additional sections provided earlier or contact your healthcare provider.
