Levitaracetam Flashcards
1
Q
What is the brand name of levitaracetam?
A
Keppra
2
Q
What is the method of action of Levitaracetam?
A
- Binds to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A – involved in the regulation of vesicle exocytosis
- Inhibtis Ca channels = ↓ neurotransmitter release
- Inhibits burst firing from the epileptiform in the hippocampus
3
Q
What are the indications for levitaracetam?
A
- Partial onset seizures with/without secondary generalisation in all ages over 1 month
- Myoclonic seizures in adults/adolescents from 12 years old with Juvenile Myoclonic epilepsy
- Primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures in adults/adolescents from 12 years old with Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy
4
Q
What are the contraindications with Levitaracetam?
A
- Renal problems – dose needs to be adjusted
- Alcohol
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
5
Q
What are the side effects of Levitaracetam?
A
- Nasopharyngitis – aka cold
- Headache
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Ataxia/tremor
- GI upset
- Rash
- Thoughts of harming/killing themselves
- Sleepiness – normal side effect/overdose
- Agitation – overdose
- Aggression – overdose
- ↓ alertness - overdose
- Breathing difficulties - overdose
- Coma – overdose
6
Q
What drugs does leviteracetam interact with?
A
• Probenecid (renal tubular secretion blocking agent) – inhibit renal clearance of drug
7
Q
What organ eliminates leviteracetam?
A
Kidney
8
Q
What information should be given to a patient taking leviteracetam?
A
- Do not drive or use machinery until the effect on you is established
- Do not stop the medication abruptly
