Levetiracetam

- 500 mg/5 ml vial (IV)

- 500 mg tablets (PO) and 100 mg/ml oral solution (PO)

Executive Summary

(June 22, 2023)

Executive Summary

Levetiracetam (LEV) is a second generation antiepileptic drug (AED) that has gained popularity in the ED for the treatment of status epilepticus (with a conjunction of benzodiazepines, usually IV lorazepam or IM midazolam)(3, 7); 

Adult dose for status epilepticus (7, 12)

Adult dose for post-traumatic seizure prophylaxis in severe TBI (4, 22)

Adult dose

Adult dose for status epilepticus (7, 12)

Adult dose for post-traumatic seizure prophylaxis in severe TBI (4, 22)

*The dosing strategy may be discussed with the consulting neurologist considering the age and weight of the patient.

Pediatric dose

Pediatric dose for status epilepticus (12, 13, 14)

Indications

US FDA-Labeled (21)


Off-label

Advantages of levetiracetam in the ED


Levetiracetam and TBI seizure prophylaxis new!

Post-traumatic seizures (PTS)

Standard of care and the use of LEV

LEV dosing for PTS

Cautions 

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Prolonged experience with levetiracetam in pregnant women has not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage, based on published literature, which includes data from pregnancy registries, and reflects experience over two decades (21). 


Lactation

References

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EMDrugs Team