Keppra®

definition

Keppra® is the trade name of the drug Levetiracetam. This is a drug from the group of Anti-epileptic drugs. It is used for treatment, especially for Prevention of epileptic seizures used.

Admission

Keppra® contains a Active substance and is therefore called Monotherapy for the treatment of partial seizures from one 16 years old used. This active ingredient is also allowed as an additional drug from the age of one month administered. It is also used in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in patients with adolescent myoclonic epilepsy. Also generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 12 years and older can be treated with the drug.

Active ingredient

The active substance Levetiracetam binds to a specific one at the synapses Vesicle protein. In the vesicles that are in the presynaptic ending are located various neurotransmitters saved. Now that the drug has bound to the vesicle protein, many more vesicles fuse with the membrane of the synapse and give the neurotransmitter GABA into the synaptic cleft from. GABA ultimately binds on the postsynaptic membrane to specific GABA receptors. GABA does one Opening one Chloride ion channelthrough which chloride ions then flow into the postsynapse. The chloride ions exercise one inhibitory effect so that the Passing of excitement stopped becomes. The nerve conduction speed is reduced and thereby also the The triggering of epileptic seizures is prevented.

dose

Keppra® are mostly used as Film-coated tablets taken. They can do that taken regardless of food become. For prophylaxis and avoidance of seizures, the patient is given a Daily dose recommended that on two doses of the same size a day is distributed. This drug should always Taken exactly as directed by the attending physician become. Since this is a medicinal product and Long term therapy it should be taken for as long as agreed with the doctor. Accordingly, the patient should not discontinue the drug of his own accord. In the best case, the drug should be reduced gradually (creeping), otherwise the epileptic seizures occur again more often.

At a Monotherapy with Keppra® for adults and adolescents from 16 years is a dose of 250 mg twice a day recommended. After two weeks will the Dose to 500 mg twice a day elevated. Depending on how well the patient responds to the drug, the dose can still be adjusted and increased. The maximum daily dose is twice 1500 mg.

In the Treatment of Epilepsy in Children, the doctor should die Adapt dose to body weight. For Infants and young children between 6 and 23 months is considered a therapeutic Dose of 10mg twice a day per kilogram of body weight. For children with a body weight of over 50 kilograms, the daily doses apply as for adults.

In patients with a impaired kidney function, like for example one Renal failure must the Daily dose also always adjusted become. The dose then depends on the current performance of the kidneys. This can be calculated with the Creatinine Clearance of the patient. This value indicates how much blood the Can cleanse the kidney from a certain substance and thus also corresponds to Function of the kidney.

Overdose

At a Overdose with Keppra® can different symptoms occur. In addition to the Somnolence, aggression also a degraded consciousness. In the worst case scenario, an overdose can lead to one Respiratory depression and coma to lead. Especially those Shortness of breath can, if not treated quickly, also for Death of the patient to lead. Overdose is treated by the Stomach flushed or through Triggering the nausea is cleaned. This can prevent a lot of that drug in the blood is recorded.

Side effects

Keppra® can be different unwanted side effects trigger. The most common side effects were fatigue, Somnolence and dizziness. These side effects are particularly evident often at the start of treatment and should but after a certain Getting used to the drug clearly subside.

Further often undesirable effects how Inflammation of the nasopharynx and frequently occurring a headache can also occur. Furthermore occurred more often Loss of appetite, depressions, Balance disorders, to cough, stomach pain, Tremble (tremor), diarrhea, skin rash.

Side effects that occasionally occurred decreased number of blood platelets (Platelets) and Blood cells (Leukocytes), Weight loss or Weight gain, mental disorders up to Suicidal ideation, Hallucinations, Anger, confusion, Panic attacks and emotional instability.

Also affects that memory and the coordination are possible. Were very rare Personality disorders, Liver failure, Overactivity of the muscles, Inflammation of the pancreas, Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) and Infection in general observed.

If side effects are observed in the patient, this should be done inform attending physician and possibly the drug must be in his Dose readjusted be or exchanged for another more tolerable drug become.

Ability to drive

Through the Treatment with Keppra® in most patients, especially at the beginning of therapy severe tiredness and sleepiness observed. As a result, the Concentration decreases. Accordingly, the patient should focus on the For the time being, do not control vehicles or operate tools and machines so as not to endanger yourself or other people.

Even after increasing the dose, the patient may temporarily not be able to drive. After consulting the attending physician, it should be awaited how the drug is tolerated. Will the The patient's ability to concentrate and react is no longer restricted, he can pursue these activities again.

pregnancy

Taking Keppra® during a pregnancy should, be avoided if possible.

It cannot be ruled out that Keppra® the risk of Birth defects or Diseases of the unborn child elevated.
Animal experiments have shown that the drug has a negative effect on reproduction. If the patient is actually pregnant, or if a pregnancy is suspected, she should inform the doctor immediately.

In this case you have to click on one Switch to a more compatible and safer drug so as not to endanger the fetus.

Also in the following Lactation should stop taking Keppra® not be made because the Active ingredient possibly pass into the child through breast milk can.