Levetiracetam
Also known as: Keppra, Keppra XR, Desitrend
* **Strict Schedule:** This medication must be given exactly as prescribed, usually **every 8 hours (three times a day)**. Missing doses can lead to breakthrough seizures. * **Side Effects:** Your pet may seem sleepy, lethargic, or have a decreased appetite initially. These effects usually improve as your pet gets used to the medication. * **Seizure Log:** Keep a detailed diary of any seizures (date, time, duration, and severity) to help your veterinarian adjust the dose. > **Do not stop abruptly:** Suddenly stopping this medication can cause severe, life-threatening seizures. Always consult your veterinarian before changing the dose.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As an add-on to phenobarbital treatment for epilepsy
- As an adjunct to phenobarbital in suspected idiopathic epilepsy
- As an add-on treatment for epilepsy in dogs refractory to phenobarbital and bromides
- As an add-on treatment for epilepsy in dogs refractory to phenobarbital and/or bromides
- Seizure management
- Seizure management
- Seizure management
- Single-dose pharmacokinetic study
- For status epilepticus
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation (most common in dogs)
- Lethargy (most common in cats)
- Decreased appetite (most common in cats)
- Behavior changes
- Gastrointestinal effects
- Sedation (dogs)
- Ataxia (dogs)
- Reduced appetite (cats)
- Hypersalivation (cats)
- Lethargy (cats)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or any of its components
- Severe renal disease
- > **Renal Impairment:** Clearance is primarily renal (glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion). Dosage amounts or intervals must be adjusted in patients with decreased creatinine clearance. * **Pregnancy/Nursing:** FDA Category C. High doses in animal models showed embryofetal mortality and minor skeletal abnormalities. Excreted in maternal milk; use with caution in nursing patients. * **Withdrawal:** Abrupt discontinuation may precipitate withdrawal seizures; taper slowly if discontinuing.
Drug interactions
- NSAIDs (naproxen, ketorolac): May increase the risk for seizures (reported in humans; veterinary significance unclear).
- Phenobarbital: Significantly increases levetiracetam clearance and reduces its half-life in dogs (from 3.43 hrs to 1.73 hrs); dosage adjustments may be required.
Frequently asked questions
What is Levetiracetam used for in pets?
* **Strict Schedule:** This medication must be given exactly as prescribed, usually **every 8 hours (three times a day)**. Missing doses can lead to breakthrough seizures. * **Side Effects:** Your pet may seem sleepy, lethargic, or have a decreased appetite initially. These effects usually improve as your pet gets used to the medication. * **Seizure Log:** Keep a detailed diary of any seizures (date, time, duration, and severity) to help your veterinarian adjust the dose. > **Do not stop abruptly:** Suddenly stopping this medication can cause severe, life-threatening seizures. Always consult your veterinarian before changing the dose.
Is Levetiracetam safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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