Levetiracetam is a miscellaneous anticonvulsant, which means it works on different pathways to regulate chemical substances and stabilize electrical signals in the brain. It is used for the treatment of partial seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures.
Levetiracetam can be administered orally as tablets or solution, or injected intravenously. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. For pediatric patients with body weight ≤ 20 kg, oral solution is preferred.
Listed below are the indications and the dosages, which patients with poor renal function may need a lower dose.
Partial onset seizure:
Patients 16 years of age and older (oral / injection):
Initiate 500 mg twice daily, and increase by 500 mg/dose every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 1500 mg twice daily.
Pediatric patients 4 years – < 16 years (oral / injection):
Initiate 10 mg/kg twice daily, and increase by 10 mg/kg/dose every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 30 mg/kg twice daily.
Pediatric patients 4 years – < 16 years weighing 20-40 kg (oral):
Initiate 250 mg twice daily, and increase by 250 mg/dose every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 750 mg twice daily.
Pediatric patients 4 years – < 16 years weighing > 40 kg (oral):
Initiate 500 mg twice daily, and increase by 500 mg/dose every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 15000 mg twice daily.
Pediatric patients 6 months – < 4 years (oral / injection):
Initiate 10 mg/kg twice daily, and increase by 10 mg/kg/dose every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 25 mg/kg twice daily.
Pediatric patients 1 month – < 6 months (oral / injection):
Initiate 7 mg/kg twice daily, and increase by 7 mg/kg/dose every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 21 mg/kg twice daily.
Myoclonic Seizures:
Patients 12 years of age and older (oral / injection):
Initiate 500 mg twice daily, and increase by 500 mg/dose every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 1500 mg twice daily.
Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures:
Patients 16 years of age and older (oral / injection):
Initiate 500 mg twice daily, and increase by 500 mg/dose every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 1500 mg twice daily.
Pediatric patients 6 years – < 16 years (oral / injection):
Initiate 10 mg/kg twice daily, and increase by 10 mg/kg/dose every 2 weeks to a recommended dose of 30 mg/kg twice daily.
Common side effects of Levetiracetam in adult patients include somnolence, asthenia, infection, and dizziness.
Common side effects of Levetiracetam in pediatric patients include fatigue, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, and irritability.
People who are allergic to Levetiracetam or any component of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
Levetiracetam can be administered with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Levetiracetam may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Levetiracetam is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Levetiracetam in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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