Levetiracetam: A Review of its use in the treatment of epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Levetiracetam is a novel antiepileptic drug. It is marketed worldwide since 2000. Aim: The paper reviewed the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions, contraindications and uses of levetiracetam in the treatment of various types of epileptic seizures. Methods: Literature searches were done to identify relevant studies. Results: Levetiracetam acts by binding to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, thereby modulation of one or more of its actions and ultimately affecting neural excitability. It has less protein binding and lacks hepatic metabolism. In contrast to traditional therapy, it has a wide safety margin and does not require serum drug monitoring. It does not interact with other anti-epileptics. Conclusion: The above-mentioned favourable pharmacological benefits of LEV make it an important first-line or adjunctive therapy for epileptic seizures.

Antiepileptic drug prescribing patterns in Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans with epilepsy

“…Patients with comorbid psychiatric conditions, headache, and neuropathic pain may also be treated with AEDs for which there are multiple indications for use (e.g., valproate for bipolar disorder and headache and topiramate for headache). Alternatively, some comorbid conditions may be negatively affected by certain AEDs, such as increased or reoccurring psychiatric symptoms after use of levetiracetam [4][5][6][7]. Finally, because of the potential for drug interactions and side effects in older patients, age should be considered when selecting AEDs (e.g., phenytoin and phenobarbital) [8].…”

Characterization of seizures (ILAE 1981 and 2017 classifications) and their response to treatment in a cohort of patients with glial tumors: A prospective single center study

“…Seizure control was excellent (seizure-free) in almost all patients treated with levetiracetam. We started AED monotherapy with levetiracetam, a drug we use since the early 2000s that has been shown to be effective for focal and generalized onset seizures [3,[17], [18], [19], [20], [21]], Currently, there is no evidence of levetiracetam interaction with any known drug, especially drugs administered to neuro-oncologic patients, as it does not have deleterious effects on cognition [[22], [23], [24], [25], [26]]. Reasons why patients with seizures did not start treatment on levetiracetam (25%) were: 1) accessibility to medication; 2) poor health and death before treatment initiation; and 3) transfer of care to other medical centers.…”

Estimation of Serum Total Bilirubin Level and Hyponatremic Effect Associated with the Use of Levetiracetam Therapy in Epileptic Patients

“…The result of the study shows that PHT and LEV showed equal efficacy in prevention of seizures after TBI. Swaroop et al, (2013); conducted a study based on Levetiracetam: A Review of its use in the treatment of epilepsy. Levetiracetam is a novel antiepileptic drug.…”