Effect of Date Molasses on Levetiracetam Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Rats

Abstract

Eighteen healthy eight-week-old male Wister rats weighing 200 g were used. Rats were chosen randomly, their tails were identified, and separated into cages/groups. The first group received 0.1 mL of levetiracetam intravenously. The second received an oral dose of 11.5 mg of levetiracetam in 5 mL of water, and the third was the control group.. One week of pre-administered date molasses significantly decreased levetiracetam pharmacokinetic parameters in rats, as Cmax (72 vs. 14 ng/mL, p = 0.01), Tmax (1.78 vs. 0.44 hr, p < 0.001), and AUC (880 vs. 258 ng.h/mL, p < 0.001). This decrease in plasma levetiracetam levels caused by date molasses could be attributed to decreased levetiracetam absorption. On the other hand, the current study discovered that rats given date molasses for a week had a reduced rate and extent of absorption. Polysaccharides in date molasses could theoretically increase the risk of epileptic seizures. When taking levetiracetam to stop epileptic seizures, doctors and patients should be told not to overdose.