Keppra 250 mg film-coated tablets is an antiepileptic medicine (a medicine used to treat seizures in epilepsy).
Keppra Liquid contains 100mg of Levetiracetam in each ml of liquid.
Why have I been prescribed Keppra?
Keppra 250 mg film-coated tablets is an antiepileptic medicine (a medicine used to treat seizures in epilepsy). Keppra is used alone in the treatment of partial seizures in patients from 16 years of age. Keppra is used in patients who are already taking another antiepileptic medicine:
- in the treatment of partial seizures in adults, children and infants from 1 month age.
- in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in patients from 12 years of age with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy.
- in the treatment of primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age.
How does it work?
It works by decreasing the excitability of nerve cells and preventing them firing inappropriately.
When and how do I take it?
Swallow Keppra tablets with a sufficient quantity of liquid (e.g. a glass of water).
Duration of treatment:
- Keppra is used as a chronic treatment. You should continue Keppra treatment for as long as your doctor has told you.
- Do not stop your treatment without your doctor’s advice as this could increase your seizures.
What’s the dose?
Dosage in adults and adolescents (12 to 17 years) weighing 50 kg or more:
- General dose: between 1,000 mg (4 tablets) and 3,000 mg (12 tablets) each day.
- Keppra must be taken twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time each day.
- Example: if your daily dose is 1,000 mg, you must take
- 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening.
Dosage in infants (6 to 23 months), children (2 to 11 years) and adolescents (12 to 17 years) weighing less than 50 kg:
- General dose: between 20 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg each day. The dose should preferably be administered as the oral solution formulation delivered with the 3 mL syringe or the 10 mL syringe, depending on the dose.
- Keppra must be taken twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time each day.
Dosage in infants (1 month to less than 6 months):
- General dose: between 14 mg/kg and 42 mg/kg each day. The dose should be administered as the oral solution formulation delivered with the 1 ml syringe
- Keppra must be taken twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time each day.
Example: for a general dose of 14 mg/kg each day, you must give your 4 kg child 28 mg (equal to 0.3 ml) in the morning and 28 mg (equal to 0.3 ml) in the evening.
Could it interact with other tablets?
- Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
- Herbal products should also only be taken after talking with your doctor.
What are the possible risks or side-effects?
Like all medicines, Keppra can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following and they worry you.
Very common side effects (> 10 %) reported with Keppra are:
- somnolence (sleepiness);
- asthenia/fatigue (tiredness).
Common side effects (> 1 % - 10 %) reported with Keppra are:
- nervous system disorders: dizziness (sensation of unsteadiness), convulsion, headache, hyperkinesia (hyperactivity), ataxia (impaired coordinated movements), tremour (involuntary trembling), amnesia (loss of memory), balance disorder (equilibrium disorder), disturbance in attention (loss of concentration), memory impairment (forgetfulness);
- psychiatric disorders: agitation, depression, emotional instability/mood swings, hostility or aggression, insomnia,
- nervousness or irritability, personality disorders (behavioral problems), thinking abnormal (slow thinking, unable to concentrate);
- digestive disorders: abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsia (indigestion), diarrhoea, vomiting;
- nutrition disorders: anorexia (loss of appetite), weight increase
- ear and labyrinth disorders: vertigo (sensation of rotation);
- eye disorders: diplopia (double vision), vision blurred;
- musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: myalgia (muscle pain);
Can I drink Alcohol while taking it?
- There are no known interactions between alcohol and Keppra.
- Always check with your doctor or pharmacist however as other medicines you may be taking may have an effect on this.
What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?
Keppra should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. The potential risk to your unborn child is unknown.
Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment.
If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.
Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.
References:
http://www.epilepsy.com/medications/levetiracetam
http://www.rxlist.com/keppra-drug.htm
http://www.drugs.com/keppra.html
http://www.keppraxr.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levetiracetam