Levetiracetam Flashcards
What is the primary indication for levetiracetam?
Refractory or repeated seizures 5 mins after 2nd midazolam dose
Used in cases of intracranial pressure (ICP) only.
What routes of administration are used for levetiracetam?
IV/IO
Intravenous (IV) or intraosseous (IO) routes.
What is the infusion rate for levetiracetam?
Infusion rate is not critical; relatively safe at rates faster than recommended
Manufacturer’s recommendations may be exceeded.
Is it safe to administer levetiracetam if the patient has already received oral levetiracetam?
Yes, it is safe to administer the full dose
There are no contraindications for this scenario.
What should be referenced for weight-based doses of levetiracetam?
Infusion calculator
Essential for determining appropriate dosing.
What is the recommended infusion rate for levetiracetam over 15 minutes?
200 mL/hr via driver or 2 - 3 drops/sec via 100 mL bag saline
This is crucial for proper administration.
What is the procedure for manual infusions of levetiracetam?
Flush residual drug in giving set line at the same rate to deliver entire dose
Use of syringe method for IO infusions without a driver is recommended.
What should be done if considering a repeat dose of levetiracetam?
Consult if considering a repeat dose
Always essential to verify with guidelines.
What is known about drug interactions with levetiracetam?
Relatively safe with no known drug interactions
Safe in seizures secondary to polypharmacy overdose.
What are the adverse effects of levetiracetam overdose?
No adverse effects other than drowsiness
Indicates a favorable safety profile in overdose situations.
