Levetiracetam
Second-line in status epilepticus: 60 mg/kg IV (max 4.5 g) over 10 minutes. Few interactions.
On this page
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Status epilepticus (adult and child) | 60 mg/kg IV over 10 minutes, max 4.5 g |
| Maintenance (adult) | 500 mg twice daily, increasing to 1–1.5 g twice daily |
Kidney
Reduce maintenance dose if creatinine clearance below 80.
Cautions
- Mood changes, irritability.
Frequently asked questions
Why is levetiracetam popular for status epilepticus?
It is effective, quick to give and has few interactions and cardiac side effects.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Levetiracetam is covered in our textbook chapter Antiepileptics and sedatives, with practice MCQs.