Medicine Information

Levista

Name: Levista
Brand: Levista
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Oral Solution100 mg/mL solutionAnticonvulsantsATC: N03AX14

Generic Name

Levetiracetam

Manufacturer

Acme Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
levista 500 mg oral solution	৳ 300.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug (AED) used to treat various types of seizures, including partial onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. The oral solution provides a flexible dosing option.

Uses & Indications

Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization in patients 1 month of age and older with epilepsy.

Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose is 500 mg (5 mL) twice daily. The daily dose may be increased by 500 mg twice daily every 2 weeks to a maximum of 1500 mg twice daily. The oral solution provides 100 mg/mL, so 5 mL delivers 500 mg.

Elderly

Initiate treatment at the lowest effective dose and adjust based on renal function.

Renal_impairment

Dosage adjustment is required based on creatinine clearance. For CrCl 50-79 mL/min: 500-1000 mg twice daily. For CrCl 30-49 mL/min: 250-750 mg twice daily. For CrCl <30 mL/min: 250-500 mg twice daily. For end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis: 500-1000 mg once daily, with an additional 250-500 mg post-dialysis.

How to Take

Levista oral solution should be taken orally, with or without food. Use an accurate measuring device (e.g., an oral syringe or measuring cup) to ensure the correct dose is administered. Do not mix with other liquids.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action is not fully elucidated, but it is believed to involve binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), which modulates neurotransmitter release and inhibits hypersynchronous neuronal firing, thereby exerting its anticonvulsant effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within 30-60 minutes.

Excretion

Excreted primarily via the kidneys (66% of dose excreted unchanged in urine).

Half life

Approximately 6-8 hours in adults; prolonged in elderly and renally impaired patients.

Absorption

Rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1 hour.

Metabolism

Minimal metabolism; primarily via enzymatic hydrolysis of the acetamide group (24% of dose) and not through cytochrome P450 isoenzymes.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Levetiracetam or any other pirrolidone derivative, or to any of the excipients of the formulation.

Drug Interactions

Methotrexate

Levetiracetam may decrease the renal clearance of methotrexate, potentially leading to increased methotrexate concentrations. Monitor methotrexate levels and adjust dose as necessary.

CNS Depressants

Concomitant use with alcohol or other CNS depressants may enhance drowsiness and sedation. Use with caution.

Oral Contraceptives

Levetiracetam does not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of oral contraceptives.

Storage

Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, agitation, aggression, depressed level of consciousness, respiratory depression, and coma. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, including general supportive measures and monitoring of vital signs. Hemodialysis may be effective in removing the drug.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Limited data on human pregnancy. Use only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Levetiracetam is excreted into human breast milk. Due to potential adverse effects in breastfed infants, 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

100 mL bottle200 mL bottle300 mL bottle500 mL bottle

Shelf Life

Typically 24 to 36 months from the manufacturing date, unopened. Once opened, refer to specific product instructions, often 6 months.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

Approved (DGDA, FDA)

Patent Status

Generic available

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Levetiracetam has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials involving thousands of patients with various forms of epilepsy, demonstrating its efficacy as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy across different age groups, including pediatric populations.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function (creatinine clearance) should be monitored, especially in elderly patients and those with pre-existing kidney impairment, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Monitor for signs of mood changes, behavioral abnormalities, or suicidal ideation during treatment, particularly at the beginning of therapy or following dose changes.

Doctor Notes

Counsel patients and caregivers on the potential for behavioral and psychiatric adverse events, emphasizing immediate reporting of such changes.
Initiate therapy with a low dose and titrate gradually to the effective dose to minimize side effects.
Consider renal function for dose adjustments, especially in elderly patients.
Advise against abrupt discontinuation due to the risk of increased seizure frequency.

Patient Guidelines

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop suddenly, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to an increase in seizure frequency or severity.
Measure the dose carefully using the provided measuring device.
Report any new or worsening side effects, especially mood or behavior changes, suicidal thoughts, or unusual bruising/bleeding, to your doctor immediately.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, 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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Levetiracetam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or vision problems, which can impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery safely. It is advisable to avoid such activities until you are certain of its effects on you and your ability to perform them safely.

Lifestyle Advice

Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Levista, as it may enhance CNS depressant effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
Exercise caution when engaging in activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.