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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Simon Platt,

Medication: Levetiracetam

Medication: Levetiracetam

Your cat has been prescribed levetiracetam for management of seizures.

Key points: 
• Anticonvulsant.
• Additional therapy for cats not responding to conventional anticonvulsant drugs.
• Commonly causes mild sedation in cats.
• In cats with kidney failure drug may be eliminated more slowly.
• Use with caution in pregnant and lactating animals.
• Dosage: usually three times daily. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name

  • Leviteracetam (levy-teRA-see-TAM).

Brand name

  • Keppra® (UK, US).
  • Elepsia® (UK, US).
  • Spiritam® (US).
  • Desitrend.
  • Kepcet.
  • Kerron.
  • Kevtan.
  • Levitaccord.
  • Levitam.

Class of medication

  • Anticonvulsant.

Storage

  • Store at room temperature (15-30°C / 59-86°F).
  • Store away from heat and sunlight.

Why has my cat been prescribed levetiracetam?

Your veterinarian has prescribed levetiracetam for the treatment of epileptic seizures where conventional anticonvulsant therapy has not provided adequate control. It is often given alongside another anticonvulsant but in some circumstances can be used as a sole agent.

How is the medication given?

The product is available as tablets or solution which can be given by mouth. The drug does not last very long in the body and so tablets usually have to be given three times daily; some cats may only require twice daily treatment. The tablets can either be administered directly into your pet’s mouth or along with some food. It is simplest to put the drops onto food for your pet to eat if using the liquid version. There is a longer acting formulation but the tablets cannot be divided so these may not be useful in smaller animals depending on the dose required; this version is usually give twice daily. Over time cats may become tolerant of the drug and higher doses may be needed.

There is also an injectable form which your veterinarian can give or may be used per-rectum in an emergency.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

The following side-effects have been reported:

  • Mild sedation is common.
  • Over dosage might result in salivation and vomiting.
  • Cats may become inappetent and hypersalivate.

Drug interactions can occur with:

  • May increase the sedation effect of other drugs, eg buprenorphine and ketamine.
  • Can interact with antihistamines.
  • Higher doses may be needed when used concurrently with phenobarbitone.

How long will my cat need to receive this medication?

Levetiracetam should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Treatment may be started at a low dose and then may be gradually increased over time. If treatment is effective the drug may be continued lifelong. If no improvement is seen within a few months, your veterinarian may recommend a different course of therapy. If your cat is receiving medication for seizures, then you should never change or stop any treatment without consulting your veterinarian.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused levetiracetam safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save levetiracetam for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.

My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Levetiracetam should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household.
  • Use with care in pregnant or lactating cats and only if advised by your veterinarian.
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my cat need to be monitored while on levetiracetam?

If your cat is epileptic your veterinarian will want to make regular checks on them to ensure the drugs they are receiving are effective and to adjust the doses if necessary.

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on levetiracetam can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

USA

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication. 

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