Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 3, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Elepsia XR
- Keppra
- Keppra XR
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Tablet
- Tablet for Suspension
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Anticonvulsant
Uses for levetiracetam
Levetiracetam is used alone or together with other medicines to help control certain types of seizures (eg, partial seizures, myoclonic seizures, or tonic-clonic seizures) in the treatment of epilepsy. Levetiracetam cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to use it.
Levetiracetam is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using levetiracetam
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For levetiracetam, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to levetiracetam or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of levetiracetam oral solution, tablets, or tablets for suspension in children younger than 1 month of age (Keppra®) or in children younger than 4 years of age and weighing less than 20 kilograms (Spritam®, Spritam® tablets for oral suspension), and levetiracetam extended-release tablets in children younger than 12 years of age (Elepsia™ XR) or (Keppra XR®). Safety and efficacy have not been established in these age groups.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levetiracetam in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving levetiracetam.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequ...
