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Overview of Keppra for Canines and Felines

Levetiracetam, also known as Keppra®, is a drug used to treat seizures in dogs and cats. Initially used in conjunction with other seizure drugs, it is now commonly used as a primary means of seizure control. Keppra is often used with phenobarbital when phenobarbital alone does not provide adequate benefits.

• The biggest disadvantage to using Keppra is the three times a day dosing, which is often inconvenient. The other disadvantage of using Keppra until now was the cost, which has decreased due to availability of a generic formulation.
• Giving Levetiracetam (Keppra) with Phenobarbital will often allow for decreased doses of Phenobarbital to be given.
• Levetiracetam belongs to a general class of drugs known as anticonvulsants. Other related drugs in this class include diazepam, potassium bromide, and phenobarbital.
• The mechanism of action of Keppra is unclear, but is thought to prevent excessive synchronization of nerve engagement, thus depressing the excitability of nerves within the brain and reducing seizures.
• Keppra is quickly absorbed when given orally with a peak effect in approximately 2 hours.
• Keppra can be used alone or can be combined with another seizure control drug called Phenobarbital and/or potassium bromide to control seizures.
• Keppra is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
• This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration, but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Brand Names and Other Names of Levetiracetam

• Human formulations: Keppra®, now available in generic formulations
• Veterinary formulations: None

Uses for Dogs and Cats

Levetiracetam is used to treat seizure disorders in dogs and cats as either monotherapy (single drug) or combination therapy with other anticonvulsant drugs.

Precautions and Side Effects

• While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, Levetiracetam can cause side effects in some animals.
• Levetiracetam is mostly metabolized outside the liver, making it a popular choice in patients with liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy, or portosystemic shunt.
• Levetiracetam is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing pets.
• Levetiracetam should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
  Levetiracetam may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with Levetiracetam. Medications may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx, and others, as well as Phenobarbital. It is frequently given with Phenobarbital, but the dosage is often decreased.
• One of the most common side effects of Levetiracetam in dogs is sedation, which is generally transient. Nausea and lack of appetite are common side effects in cats.

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How Keppra Is Supplied

Keppra is available in the following formulations:

• Oral tablets in 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg.
• Extended-release oral tablets of 500 mg and 750 g sizes (Keppra XR®).
• Oral solutions are available in 100 mg/mL in 473 ml, 480 l, and 500 ml (Keppra®).
• Injectable concentrate in 100 mg/mL in 5 mL single-use vials (Keppra®).
• Levetiracetam is also available in a generic formulation.

Dosing Information for Dogs and Cats

• Medication should never be administered without first consulting with your veterinarian.
• In dogs, Levetiracetam is often started at 5 to 10 mg per pound (10 to 20 mg/kg) three times daily (every 8 hours). Higher doses are often needed for emergency treatment of active seizures in dogs and cats, including doses up to 20 mg/kg.
• In cats, Levetiracetam is often started at 10 mg per pound (20 mg/kg) three times daily (every 8 hours).
• Increases in dose may be required to control seizures in dogs and cats.
• Keppra can be given with food.
• Therapeutic blood monitoring is not routinely recommended. When performed, the suggested therapeutic range is 5-45 µg/mL based on limited data. When recommended to adjust the dosage, it is generally done 1 week after starting Keppra, then every 6 to 12 months.
• The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication, and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.