Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication that treats seizures in dogs and cats. It can be used by itself or with other anticonvulsant medications. Levetiracetam is in certain cases safer for pets to use than other anticonvulsant medications because it passes through the urine instead of being broken down by the liver or metabolized by the kidneys. Levetiracetam requires a prescription from your veterinarian and is sold by the tablet.
Description
Levetiracetam is a prescription tablet used to control seizures caused by epilepsy. It is an anticonvulsant that works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain. It’s also used by veterinarians to help manage epilepsy in companion animals. Customers may receive this drug under the name Keppra.
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Features of Levetiracetam For Dogs
Levetiracetam is indicated as monotherapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in adults and adolescents from 16 years of age with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Levetiracetam is indicated as adjunctive therapy • in the treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in adults, adolescents, children and infants from 1 month of age with epilepsy. • in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. • in the treatment of primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy.
Uses/benefits of Levetiracetam For Dogs:
- Helps control seizures
- Increases your pet’s quality of life
- Can be combined with other anticonvulsant medications
- In certain cases, safer to use than other anticonvulsant medications
- Sold by the tablet
Precautions
This medication has been shown to cause increased fetal and embryonal losses, and should only be used in pregnant animals when benefits outweigh risks. Pets with decreased kidney function should use this medication with caution. When discontinuing the use of this medication, gradual withdrawal is recommended to help prevent the likelihood of seizure-withdrawals.
This drug is FDA-approved for human use. However, it is common practice for veterinarians to prescribe such drugs for use in dogs and cats.
Dosage of Levetiracetam For Dogs
As a prescription drug, your veterinarian will direct you on the proper dosage of Keppra for dogs. Keppra comes in a tablet form ranging from 250mg to 1000mg, the extended-release pill comes in either 500mg or 750mg, and it is also available in an oral or injectable solution.
The liver doesn’t process Keppra in the same way as traditional anticonvulsants, and it leaves the body more quickly. Because of this, it has a half-life of around four to six hours, meaning that it usually has to be dosed three times a day. While giving medication this often can be difficult, receiving each dose on time is important for controlling seizures.
Similar to other anti-seizure medications such as Gabapentin for dogs, the most often experienced side effects of Keppra in dogs are drowsiness and loss of coordination.
Unlike these drugs, Keppra isn’t thought to harm the liver or liver enzymes and is generally believed to have a better safety profile.
Side effect of Levetiracetam For Dogs
- Decrease Appetite
- Drooling
- Persistent Vomiting
- Sudden Changes In Behavior
Prices of Levetiracetam For Dogs
$9.90 – $49.99