Top brand choice
Top Generic choice
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Keppra is an anticonvulsant drug primarily used to treat epilepsy and seizure disorders. Keppra works by reducing abnormal brain activity and preventing seizures from occurring.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a medical condition where an individual experiences recurring seizures. It is a neurological disorder that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, resulting in convulsions and changes in consciousness. Managing epilepsy involves various treatment approaches such as medication, surgical interventions, and alternative therapies. By effectively controlling seizures, individuals with epilepsy can experience an improvement in their overall quality of life.
Fact Table | |
---|---|
Formula | C8H14N2O2 |
License | US FDA, US DailyMed, EU EMA |
Bioavailability | ˜100% |
Legal status | Prescription Required |
Chemical Name | Levetiracetam |
Elimination half-life | 26–8 hrs |
Dosage (Strength) | 250mg, 500mg, 750mg, 1000mg |
Pregnancy | Consult Doctor |
Brands | Keppra |
Protein binding | less than 10% |
PubChem CID | 5284583 |
MedlinePlus | a699059 |
ChEBI | 6437 |
ATC code | N03AX14 |
DrugBank | DB01202 |
KEGG | D00709 |
Routes of administration | By mouth |
Follow your doctor's instructions and take Keppra exactly as prescribed.
Follow the instructions on the prescription label and read the medication guides carefully. Your doctor may change your dose at times. Do not change your dose or stop without their advice.
Keppra oral can be taken with or without food at the same time each day.
Keppra injection is given through a vein if you cannot take it by mouth.
If you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of levetiracetam, your dose may change.
Children's dose may change with weight gain or loss.
Use the provided syringe or dose-measuring device to measure liquid medicine.
Consume the extended-release tablet, without crushing, chewing, or breaking it
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card to inform others about your condition.
Consult your doctor before discontinuing Keppra, as it may increase the risk of seizures.
Keppra uses Levetiracetam as the active ingredient.
Prior to starting this medication, inform your doctor about your medical history, specifically mentioning kidney disease and mood disorders like depression. Also, disclose any allergies you have.
Be cautious of dizziness or drowsiness, especially during the initial month of treatment. Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, operating machinery, or riding a bicycle, until you can do so safely.
Limit alcohol consumption, and if you use marijuana, have a discussion with your doctor.
Children under 4 years old may have a higher risk of increased blood pressure while using this medication.
Older adults may experience increased sensitivity to the side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or loss of coordination, which may raise the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, only use this medication if it is deemed necessary. Have a conversation with your doctor regarding the potential risks and benefits.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding, as this medication can pass into breast milk.
It is not recommended to use Keppra medication with Calcifediol, Methotrexate, Orlistat, Carbamazepine and Ginkgo. If your doctor prescribes both Keppra and any of these medicines together, they may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medications.
Side effects associated with Keppra can vary from person to person. It is important to note that not everyone will experience side effects, and some individuals may experience different side effects than others. Typical adverse reactions of Keppra can include:
Before you buy Keppra, it's crucial to discuss any concerns or persistent side effects with your doctor. They can provide guidance and determine if any adjustments need to be made to your medication or dosage.
What happens if you take Keppra and don't need it?
Taking Keppra without a medical need or prescription can lead to unnecessary side effects and complications. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using Keppra.
What not to take with Keppra?
When taking Keppra, it is important to avoid certain medications and substances that may interact negatively with it. These include antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, drugs that induce or inhibit liver enzymes, alcohol, and CNS depressants. It is recommended to take antacids at least two hours apart from Keppra, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, avoid alcohol consumption or limit it significantly, and discuss the use of sedatives or tranquilizers with your healthcare provider.
Can missing one dose of Keppra cause a seizure?
Missing a single dose of Keppra is generally not expected to cause a seizure in individuals who have been taking the medication consistently. However, it is important to take Keppra as prescribed by your doctor to maintain therapeutic levels of the medication in your system and reduce the risk of seizures.
Is Keppra a controlled substance?
No, Keppra is not classified as a controlled substance. It is an antiepileptic medication used to treat seizures.
Can Keppra be crushed?
Keppra tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. They are designed to be swallowed whole. Crushing or breaking the tablets may alter the way the medication is released and absorbed in the body, which can affect its effectiveness.