Levetiracetam

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Levetiracetam (中文: 左乙拉西坦)is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. It is taken either by mouth as an immediate or extended release formulation or by injection into a vein.

Pronunciation

Drug Names

Generic Name 藥名 HA Code 藥物代碼 Classification藥物分類
Levetiracetam tablet 500mg LEVE01 P1S1S3
Levetriacetam infusion 100mg/ml 5 ml LEVE05

Mechanism of Action

Anticonvulsant medication. It inhibits presynaptic calcium channels, reducing neurotransmitter release. This is believed to impede impulse conduction across synapses.

Dosage

Monotherapy of focal seizures By mouth, or by intravenous infusion

ADULT and CHILD over 16 years:

  • Initially 250 mg once daily increased after 1-2 weeks to 250 mg twice daily; thereafter
  • Increased according to response in steps of 250 mg twice daily every 2 weeks
  • Max. 1.5 g twice daily
Adjunctive therapy of focal seizures By mouth

CHILD 1-5 months

  • Initially 7 mg/kg once daily, then
  • Increased in steps of up to 7 mg/kg twice daily every 2 weeks
  • Max. per dose 21 mg/kg twice daily

CHILD 6 months – 17 years (body-weight up to 50 kg):

  • Initially 10 mg/kg once daily, then
  • Increased in steps of up to 10 mg/kg twice daily every 2 weeks
  • Max. per dose 30 mg/kg twice daily

CHILD 12-17 years (body-weight 50 kg and above):

  • Initially 250 mg twice daily, then
  • Increased in steps of 500 mg twice daily every 2-4 weeks
  • Max. per dose 1.5 g twice daily

ADULT:

  • Initially 250 mg twice daily, then
  • Increased in steps of 500 mg twice daily increased every 2-4 weeks
  • Max. per dose 1.5 g twice daily
By intravenous infusion

CHILD 4-17 years (body-weight up to 50 kg):

  • Initially 10 mg.kg once daily, then increased in steps of up to 10 mg/kg twice daily every 2 weeks
  • Max. per dose 30 mg/kg twice daily

CHILD 12-17 years (body-weight 50 kg and above):

  • Initially 250 mg twice daily, then
  • Increased in steps of 500 mg twice daily every 2 weeks
  • Max. per dose 1.5 g twice daily

ADULT:

  • Initially 250 mg twice daily, then
  • Increased in steps of 500 mg twice daily every 2-4 weeks
  • Max. per dose 1.5 g twice daily
Adjunctive therapy of myoclonic seizures and tonic-clonic seizures By mouth, or by intravenous infusion

CHILD 12-17 years (body-weight up to 50 kg):

  • Initially 10 mg/kg once daily, then
  • Increased in steps of up to 10 mg/kg twice daily every 2 weeks
  • Max. per dose 30 mg/kg twice daily

CHILD 12-17 years (body-weight 50 kg or above):

  • Initially 250 mg twice daily, then
  • Increased in steps of 500 mg twice daily every 2 weeks
  • Max. per dose 1.5 g twice daily

ADULT:

  • Initially 250 mg twice daily, then
  • Increased in steps of 500 mg twice daily every 2-4 weeks
  • Max. per dose 1.5 g twice daily