Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Levetiracetam
Other Names: Keppra Tablets
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Keppra Tablets? (Back to top)
LEVETIRACETAM is an antiepileptic drug. It is used with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to levetiracetam, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine or any of your seizure medicines unless instructed by your doctor or health care professional. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• sevelamer

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• dark urine
• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
• problems with balance, talking, walking
• unusually weak or tired
• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

• diarrhea
• dizzy, drowsy
• headache
• loss of appetite

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have epilepsy, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

It is important to take this medicine exactly as instructed by your health care professional. When first starting treatment, your dose may need to be adjusted. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your doctor or health care professional if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:May 29, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company