Keppra Tablet 250mg

About Keppra Tablet 250mg

Keppra Tablet Uses

• Partial onset seizures in adults and children with epilepsy
• Myoclonic seizures in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
• Primary generalized tonic clonic seizures as add on therapy
• Long term seizure control as part of a combination antiepileptic regimen

Keppra Tablet Benefits

• Rapid onset of action with therapeutic levels reached within hours
• Low potential for drug interactions compared to older antiepileptics
• Available in tablet form for flexible dose titration
• Suitable for long term use with a favorable safety profile

What Experts Say

Levetiracetam works differently from most older antiepileptic drugs. It binds synaptic vesicle protein SV2A in the brain, modulating neurotransmitter release and reducing abnormal neuronal firing. This mechanism avoids sodium or calcium channel blockade, which lowers the interaction risk with other seizure medicines.

Levetiracetam absorbs rapidly and almost completely after an oral dose, with peak plasma levels reached within about an hour. It undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism and is cleared mostly unchanged by the kidneys, with protein binding below 10 percent. This profile makes dosing more predictable in patients with liver disease, though renal function still needs monitoring.

Clinical trials support levetiracetam as monotherapy and add on therapy across several seizure types, with tolerability that compares favorably to older agents. Neuropsychiatric effects such as irritability or mood change occur in a meaningful minority of patients, so clinicians watch behavior closely during early treatment and dose changes.

Drug Class

• Antiepileptic drug (Anticonvulsant)
• Racetam class, pyrrolidone derivative

Keppra Tablet 250mg formula

• Levetiracetam 250mg

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Keppra Tablet 250mg?

• Keppra tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your neurologist, usually twice daily.
• The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food.
• Doses work best when taken at the same times each day to maintain steady blood levels.
• The tablet should not be crushed or chewed unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• A missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is close to the time of the next dose.

Drug Interactions

• Other Antiepileptic Drugs: Combining levetiracetam with other seizure medicines can increase sedation and requires dose monitoring.
• Alcohol: Alcohol intensifies drowsiness and dizziness caused by levetiracetam and should be avoided.
• CNS Depressants: Sedatives, opioids, and sleep medicines can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• Oral Contraceptives: Levetiracetam does not significantly reduce contraceptive effectiveness, unlike many older antiepileptics, but hormonal changes should still be discussed with a doctor.
• Methotrexate: Concurrent use may raise methotrexate levels and increase toxicity risk.

Risks and warnings

• Abrupt Discontinuation: Stopping Keppra suddenly can trigger rebound seizures or status epilepticus, so the dose should be tapered gradually under medical supervision.
• Mood And Behavioral Changes: Some patients experience irritability, aggression, anxiety, or depression, especially during the first weeks of treatment.
• Suicidal Ideation: Antiepileptic drugs carry a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, so mood changes should be reported to a doctor right away.
• Pregnancy: Levetiracetam crosses the placenta, and untreated seizures pose greater risk than the medicine itself, so use during pregnancy needs close specialist supervision.
• Kidney Impairment: Dose reduction is required in patients with reduced kidney function since the drug is cleared mainly through the kidneys.
• Drowsiness And Coordination: This medicine can cause sleepiness or dizziness, so driving or operating machinery needs caution until tolerance is known.

Keppra Tablet Side Effects

• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Dizziness and weakness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability or mood swings
• Nasal congestion or upper respiratory infection
• Nausea or vomiting
• Behavioral changes including aggression or agitation
• Severe skin reactions such as rash, blistering, or swelling of the face and throat
• Signs of suicidal thoughts or self harm
• Unusual bruising or bleeding due to low blood cell counts

Storage Conditions

• Store the tablets at room temperature, below 30 degrees Celsius.
• Keep the tablets away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep the medicine out of reach of children.
• Store the tablets in their original blister pack until use.
• Discard expired or unused tablets safely rather than keeping them at home.