Chronic histopathological effects of levetiracetam on some internal organs of adult albino rats

Abstract

Purpose: To assess effects of Levetiracetam (LEV) within its therapeutic range at a 54 mg/day and 1/4 LD50 = 70 mg/kg body weight for white albino male and female rats weighing to an average of 180 ± 60 g has been studied in order to demonstrate whether LEV would effect the internal organs at the histological level. Methods: Animals were randomly separated into control (n = 20), study group I (n = 20) and study group II (n = 20). They were obtained from the animal house, Assuit University. They were maintained in environmentally controlled rooms at a temperature of 28-32°C, 40-60% humidity, in a noise free environment. Oral administration of 54 mg/day and 70 mg/kg levetiracetam for groups I and II, respectively, was given while physiologic saline (0.045 ml) was given to the control group. Results: Microscopic evaluation of the intestine, kidney, suprarenal glands and spleen, revealed that there was no statistical difference between treated and control groups. Four specimens of the liver out of 20 (20%), showed focal necrosis around central veins. Lung sections which were obtained from 15 out of 20 (75.0%) in the study group II showed various histopathological findings compared to those of the control group. These findings include thickening of interstitial septa, interstitial fibrosis, chronic inflammatory cells infiltration, and congestion of blood vessels. Conclusions: LEV, is considered as safe drug in its therapeutic dose. Its safety needs further studies with long term follow-up. ª 2014 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Forensic Medicine Authority.

Biochemical and histological study on the effect of levetiracetam on the liver and kidney of pregnant albino rats

“…Based on these observations, they assumed that levetiracetam was an agreeable treatment option in epileptic cases with liver impairment. The results of the present study were also contrary to some authors [17] who reported that chronic administration of levetiracetam to rats at a therapeutic dose (54 mg/day) revealed no histopathological differences in their liver as compared to those of control. Some authors [34] mentioned that levetiracetam did not interact with the cytochrome P450 system and was the best drug of choice for cases with liver impairment.…”

Emotional Hygiene: A Closer Look

“…Pregnant women with epilepsy are advised to maintain Antiepileptic Drugs (AED) [3]. Pharmacological treatment options of epilepsy comprise conventional AED (valproate) and second-generation agents (Lacosamide) [4]. Some undesired effects associated with conventional AED, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and memory deterioration [5].…”

“…The effectiveness of the second generation drugs, seems to be similar to that of the conventional AED. However, the second-generation drugs, offer a lower risk of interactions with other medications, simpler titration and improved tolerability [4].…”