Levipil
Generic Name
Levetiracetam
Manufacturer
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Country
India
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| levipil 250 mg tablet | ৳ 16.00 | ৳ 160.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Levipil 250 mg tablet contains Levetiracetam, an antiepileptic medicine used to treat various types of seizures, including partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose: 250-500 mg twice daily. May be increased by 500 mg every 2-4 weeks to a maximum of 1500 mg twice daily.
Elderly
Similar to adults, but dosage adjustments may be necessary based on renal function.
Renal_impairment
Dose reduction required. Consult prescribing information for specific creatinine clearance based dosing.
How to Take
May be taken orally with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or divide.
Mechanism of Action
Levetiracetam binds selectively to the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain, which is believed to modulate neurotransmitter release and thus exert its anticonvulsant effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapid, within hours of administration.
Excretion
Mainly via renal excretion (66% as unchanged drug, 24% as inactive metabolite).
Half life
Approximately 7-9 hours in adults; shorter in children (5-6 hours).
Absorption
Rapid and almost complete absorption after oral administration; peak plasma concentrations reached within 1 hour.
Metabolism
Not extensively metabolized via CYP450 enzymes; primarily hydrolyzed to an inactive metabolite.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or other pyrrolidone derivatives or any excipients in the formulation.
Drug Interactions
Methotrexate
Levetiracetam may decrease the renal clearance of methotrexate, leading to increased methotrexate concentrations. Co-administration should be carefully monitored.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
May enhance drowsiness and dizziness when co-administered with other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, agitation, aggression, depressed level of consciousness, respiratory depression, and coma. Management is supportive and may involve gastric lavage or activated charcoal shortly after ingestion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Levetiracetam is excreted in human milk; a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or other pyrrolidone derivatives or any excipients in the formulation.
Drug Interactions
Methotrexate
Levetiracetam may decrease the renal clearance of methotrexate, leading to increased methotrexate concentrations. Co-administration should be carefully monitored.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
May enhance drowsiness and dizziness when co-administered with other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, agitation, aggression, depressed level of consciousness, respiratory depression, and coma. Management is supportive and may involve gastric lavage or activated charcoal shortly after ingestion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Levetiracetam is excreted in human milk; a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months from manufacturing date
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
FDA and DGDA approved
Patent Status
Generic available (off-patent)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Levetiracetam in various seizure types, supporting its use as both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy.
Lab Monitoring
- No specific routine lab monitoring is required for levetiracetam in patients with normal renal function. Monitor renal function in patients with renal impairment.
Doctor Notes
- Educate patients on the risk of suicidal ideation and behavioral changes.
- Monitor renal function, especially in elderly or renally impaired patients, and adjust dose accordingly.
- Counsel patients on adherence to treatment and avoiding abrupt withdrawal.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly, as it may increase seizure frequency.
- Report any mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or unusual behavior to your doctor immediately.
- Be aware of potential drowsiness or dizziness, especially at the start of treatment.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Levipil may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or vision problems. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery until they are reasonably certain that Levetiracetam does not affect them adversely.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication as it may increase CNS depressant effects.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
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