Keppra
Keppra (levetiracetam) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) prescribed to control and prevent seizures. It is believed to work by binding to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which inhibits presynaptic calcium channels and reduces neurotransmitter release, thereby stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is highly individualized and based on age, body weight, renal function, and specific seizure type. Usually initiated at a low dose and gradually titrated weekly. Tablets must be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. Oral solution should be measured with a precise calibrated syringe.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and effectiveness in infants under 1 month of age have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 25 mg to 210 mg (0.25 mL to 2.1 mL of 100 mg/mL solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Based on a standard titration range of 10 mg/kg/day to 60 mg/kg/day divided into two doses.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 40 mg to 300 mg (0.4 mL to 3.0 mL of 100 mg/mL solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Adjust slowly under specialist supervision. Dose is titrated based on tolerability and clinical response.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 55 mg to 450 mg (0.55 mL to 4.5 mL of 100 mg/mL solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure precise measurement with an oral dosing syringe. Monitor for mood or behavioral changes.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 80 mg to 600 mg (0.8 mL to 6.0 mL of 100 mg/mL solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Patients over 20 kg may be transitioned to tablet formulations if they can safely swallow them whole.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and effectiveness in infants under 1 month of age have not been established. |
| 5-7 kg | 25 mg to 210 mg (0.25 mL to 2.1 mL of 100 mg/mL solution) | Twice daily | Based on a standard titration range of 10 mg/kg/day to 60 mg/kg/day divided into two doses. |
| 8-10 kg | 40 mg to 300 mg (0.4 mL to 3.0 mL of 100 mg/mL solution) | Twice daily | Adjust slowly under specialist supervision. Dose is titrated based on tolerability and clinical response. |
| 11-15 kg | 55 mg to 450 mg (0.55 mL to 4.5 mL of 100 mg/mL solution) | Twice daily | Ensure precise measurement with an oral dosing syringe. Monitor for mood or behavioral changes. |
| 16-20 kg | 80 mg to 600 mg (0.8 mL to 6.0 mL of 100 mg/mL solution) | Twice daily | Patients over 20 kg may be transitioned to tablet formulations if they can safely swallow them whole. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used as an anticonvulsant medication to treat partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients with epilepsy.
Generic Name
LevetiracetamScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.