rug Data

Classification

Generic
Name
levetiracetam

Therapeutic:
anticonvulsants

Trade
Name
Keppra

Patients
Dose

Minimum
Dose
10mg/day

Pharmacologi
c
pyrrolidines
Pregnancy
Category
C

Mechanism of
Action
Appears to inhibit
burst firing
without affecting
normal neuronal
excitability and
may selectively
prevent
hypersynchronizat
ion of epileptiform
burst firing and
propagation of
seizure activity.

Maximum
Dose
3000mg/day

Contents
levetiracetam

Availability
and color
Tablets: 250
mg, 500 mg,
750 mg, 100
mg.
Extendedrelease
tablets: 500
mg, 750mg.
Oral solution
(grapeflavored): 100
mg/mL.

Routes of
administrat
ion
PO
Source:

Pharmacoki
netics
A: Rapidly and
completely
absorbed
following oral
administration.
D: Unknown
M&E: 66%
excreted
unchanged by the
kidneys; some
metabolism by
the liver
(metabolites
inactive).

Onset
rapid

Peak
1-1.5hrs.

Duration
12 hrs.

Drug Half
Life
7.1hrs.

Indication

General Indications

Partial onset seizures

(adjunct). Primary
generalized tonic-clonic
seizures (adjunct)
(immediaterelease and
injection only). Myoclonic
seizures in
patients with juvenile
myoclonic epilepsy
(adjunct)(immediaterelease and injection only).

Patients Actual
Indication

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity;
Lactation:
Lactation.

Precaution
All patients (may
increase risk of
suicidal
thoughts/behaviors);
Renal impairment
(dose reduction
recommended if CCr
80 mL/min); Pedi:
Children <4 yr (safety
not established); <16
yr (for extendedrelease and
injection);
OB: Use only during
pregnancy if potential
benefit justifies
potential risk to fetus;
Geri:decreae renal
elimination (dose
reduction may be
necessary).
.Drug interaction
-drug to drug
None noted

Deglin, J. et. Al. 2009. Daviss Drug Guide for Nurses. 12 th ed. F.A. Davis. pp 782-784

Adverse Reaction
CNS: SUICIDAL
THOUGHTS, dizziness,
fatigue/somnolence,
weakness, behavioral
abnormalities.
Neuro: coordination
difficulties (adults
only).

Nursing Responsibilities
Before
1. Asses if patient had any
suicidal attempts
before.
2. Assess patients mental
status.
3. Assess duration,
location and
characteristics of
seizure activity.
4. Confirm medication
from doctors orders.
5. Obtain prescribed dose.
During
1. Confirm patients
identity.
2. Administer medication
whole.
3. Do not crush, break or
chew.
4. Practice aseptic
technique.
5. May administer
medication without
regard to meals.
After
1. Observe proper
documentation of
administered
medication.
2. Ensure that patient has
fully swallowed oral
form of medication.
3. Observe patients
behavior closely for
atleast 15-30 minutes
after administration.
4. Instruct patient to
slowly move to prevent
dizziness.
5. Instruct patient to rest
to decrease risk of falls.