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 500 mg tablet | ৳ 30.00 | ৳ 300.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Levipil 500 mg Tablet contains Levetiracetam, an antiepileptic medicine used to treat various types of seizures including partial-onset, myoclonic, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose: 500 mg twice daily. May be increased by 500 mg twice daily every 2 weeks to a maximum of 1500 mg twice daily.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment for elderly patients based on age alone, but dose should be adjusted for renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
Dose adjustment is necessary. For mild impairment (CrCl 50-79 mL/min), 500-1000 mg twice daily. For moderate impairment (CrCl 30-49 mL/min), 250-750 mg twice daily. For severe impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) and ESRD, 250-500 mg once daily.
How to Take
Take Levipil 500 mg Tablet orally, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew it. It should be taken at the same time each day.
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action of Levetiracetam is not fully understood, but it is believed to exert its antiepileptic effects by selectively binding to the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain, which may modulate neurotransmitter release and reduce neuronal excitability.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1 hour of oral administration.
Excretion
Primarily excreted by the kidneys (approximately 66% as unchanged drug and 24% as the inactive metabolite) within 48 hours.
Half life
Approximately 6-8 hours in adults, shorter in children (5-6 hours), and prolonged in individuals with renal impairment (up to 20-30 hours).
Absorption
Rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically occurring about 1 hour after dosing. Oral bioavailability is 100%.
Metabolism
Minimal metabolism in humans (less than 30%) by enzymatic hydrolysis of the acetamide group; does not involve cytochrome P450 isoenzymes.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Levetiracetam or any component of the formulation.
Drug Interactions
Methotrexate
Reduced clearance of methotrexate, potentially leading to increased methotrexate concentrations and toxicity.
Laxatives (e.g., Macrogol)
May reduce absorption of levetiracetam in some cases.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include somnolence, agitation, aggression, depressed level of consciousness, respiratory depression, and coma. Management involves supportive care and may include gastric lavage and symptomatic treatment. Hemodialysis can remove Levetiracetam.
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; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Levetiracetam or any component of the formulation.
Drug Interactions
Methotrexate
Reduced clearance of methotrexate, potentially leading to increased methotrexate concentrations and toxicity.
Laxatives (e.g., Macrogol)
May reduce absorption of levetiracetam in some cases.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include somnolence, agitation, aggression, depressed level of consciousness, respiratory depression, and coma. Management involves supportive care and may include gastric lavage and symptomatic treatment. Hemodialysis can remove Levetiracetam.
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; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. Refer to the packaging for the exact expiry date.
Availability
Available in pharmacies worldwide
Approval Status
FDA approved, widely available globally
Patent Status
Generic versions available (patent expired)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Levetiracetam has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety as an antiepileptic drug for various seizure types in adults and pediatric populations.
Lab Monitoring
- Routine laboratory monitoring is not generally required. However, renal function should be monitored in patients with renal impairment.
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients on potential psychiatric side effects, including agitation, aggression, and suicidal ideation.
- Adjust dose in patients with renal impairment based on creatinine clearance.
- Emphasize the importance of not discontinuing abruptly to avoid exacerbation of seizures.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking Levipil suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to an increase in seizures.
- Report any new or worsening behavioral symptoms, depression, or suicidal thoughts to your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose of Levipil, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Levipil may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or vision problems. Therefore, caution is advised when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medicine as it may increase side effects like dizziness and drowsiness.
- Avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how Levipil affects you.
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