What is Levetiracetam Tablets?
Levetiracetam is a medication used to treat and manage seizures, particularly in the treatment of epilepsy. It is available in various forms, including tablets, oral solutions, and intravenous (IV) formulations. Levetiracetam is the active ingredient, and it belongs to a class of drugs known as antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medications.
Levetiracetam is thought to work by affecting the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps to reduce abnormal electrical activity and prevent seizures. It is commonly used as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for various types of seizures, including partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures.
Levetiracetam Tablets Use
- Epilepsy: Levetiracetam is commonly prescribed as an adjunctive treatment for epilepsy. It is used to help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people with various types of epilepsy, including partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures.
- Dosage: The specific dosage of Levetiracetam tablets will be determined by a healthcare provider based on factors such as the patient’s age, weight, the type of seizures they experience, and their overall health. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage instructions carefully.
- Administration: Levetiracetam tablets are typically taken orally, with or without food, as directed by the healthcare provider. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed unless advised otherwise.
Levetiracetam Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
- Mechanism of Action:
- Levetiracetam is believed to primarily target synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), a protein involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release in the brain.
- By binding to SV2A, Levetiracetam may modulate the release of various neurotransmitters, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and other signaling molecules.
- Pharmacokinetics:
- Levetiracetam is well-absorbed after oral administration, and its bioavailability is nearly 100%.
- It reaches peak blood concentrations within 1 to 1.5 hours after ingestion.
- Levetiracetam is not extensively metabolized in the liver, and the majority of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine. This means that it has a relatively low potential for drug interactions involving hepatic enzymes.
Levetiracetam Tablets – Side-effects
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady on your feet.
- Drowsiness: Some people may experience sleepiness or a feeling of being tired.
- Weakness: A general feeling of weakness or lack of energy.
- Irritability: Changes in mood, such as increased irritability or nervousness.
- Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches.
