Drug Information Classification Mechanism of Action Indication Contraindications Side Effects Nursing Responsibilities
Generic Name: Pharmacologic Pharmacodynamics General Indication/s: Contraindicated in: (per system preferably) Before Drug
Levetiracetam Classification: or Mechanism of Partial onset seizures Hypersensitivity to drug Administration:
Pyrrolidines / Action: (adjunct). Primary CNS: Drowsiness, Check the doctor’s order
Trade Name: Pyrrolidine Appears to inhibit burst generalized tonic-
Use Cautiously in: Headache, Amnesia, Assess allergy to the drug
Keppra Derivative firing without affecting clonic seizures All patients (may Diplopia, Vertigo, Obtain baseline vital signs.
normal neuronal (adjunct) (immediate- risk of suicidal Agitation, Dizziness, Review history of seizure
Minimum Dose: Therapeutic excitability and may release and injection thoughts/behaviors) Fatigue, Hyperkinesia disorder and initiate seizure
1000 mg/day Classification: selectively prevent only). Myoclonic Renal impairment precautions if applicable.
Anticonvulsants hyper synchronization seizures in patients ( dose rec. if CCr CVS: Hypertension Caution patient of the
Maximum Dose: of epileptiform burst with juvenile ≤80 mL/min); different side effects
3000 mg/day Pregnancy firing and propagation myoclonic epilepsy Pedia: Safety and RESPI: Cough, Prepare drugs properly at
Category of seizure activity. (adjunct) (immediate- effectiveness not Sinusitis, Rhinitis the right dosage.
Patient’s Dose: C release and injection established in Dilute dose in 100 mL of
1g IV as loading Therapeutic Effects: only). children <16 yr. MUSC: Asthenia
0.9% NaCl, D5W, or LR.
dose then 500 mg Decreased incidence (injection) < 12 yr. Use within 24 hours
IV q12H and severity of Patient’s Indication: (extended-release); HEMA:
seizures. Seizure prophylaxis in Lactation and Agranulocytosis,
During Drug
Route: aneurysmal pregnancy Infection
Administration:
Intravenous Pharmacokinetics: subarachnoid
Verify patient’s identity
Absorption: hemorrhage GIT: Pharyngitis,
Frequency: Rapidly and almost Anorexia Explain to patient the
q12 Hours completely absorbed purpose of medication
PSYCH: Depression, Infuse drug over 15 mins
Availability/Form: Distribution: Anxiety, Increased Monitor for seizure activity
Injection, Solution: unknown suicidal thoughts, during therapy. As
100 mg/ml; 500 Aggression, Apathy, appropriate implement
mg/5 ml Metabolism: Depersonalization, seizure precautions
Not extensively Psychosis according to facility policy.
Content: metabolized in - Precautions include
contains 100 mg humans; some keeping oxygen and suction
of levetiracetam metabolism by the liver available at the bedside. If
per mL. It is (metabolism inactive) the patient has a known
supplied in single- seizure history, continue
use 5 mL vials Excretion: 66% prescribed anti-seizure
containing 500 mg excreted unchanged by medication. Emergent care
levetiracetam, the kidneys of a seizing patient focuses
water for injection, on safety. Place the patient
45 mg sodium Onset: rapid on his side to prevent
chloride, and aspiration. If he’s in bed,
buffered at Peak: 1-1.5 hr keep his arms and legs
approximately pH clear of the siderails. If the
5.5 with glacial Duration: 12 hours patient is on the floor, place
acetic acid and 8.2 something under his head to
mg sodium Drug half-life: 1-2 hours prevent injury. Administer
acetate trihydrate. oxygen if breathing is
Pregnancy Category: C altered.
- Do not hold the person
down or try to stop his or
her movements.
- Do not put anything in the
person’s mouth. This can
injure teeth or the jaw. A
person having a seizure
cannot swallow his or her
tongue.
- Do not try to give mouth-
to-mouth breaths (like
CPR). People usually start
breathing again on their own
after a seizure.
After Drug Administration:
Document medication
administration correctly and
accordingly.
Monitor vital signs.
Monitor for rash and other
adverse reactions.
Monitor renal function
Monitor patient closely for
evidence of suicidal thinking
or behavior, especially when
therapy starts or dosage
changes
Caution pt. that
levetiracetam may cause
dizziness and drowsiness
especially during first 4
weeks of therapy. Caution
to avoid doing activities
requiring alertness until
response to medication is
known.
Advise patient to avoid
hazardous activities until
drug’s CNS effects are
known.
Encourage patient to avoid
alcohol during therapy
because alcohol can
increase incidence of
drowsiness and dizziness.
Advise SO to assist pt. in
ambulation
Stopping drug may increase
seizure activity. Expect to
taper dosage gradually.
Caution patient not to stop
taking levetiracetam
abruptly; inform her that
drug dosage should be
tapered under prescriber’s
direction to reduce the risk
of breakthrough seizures.
