Review of levetiracetam, with a focus on the extended release formulation, as adjuvant therapy in controlling partial-onset seizures

Figures & data

Table 1 Bioequivalence of levetiracetam ir and xr under fasting conditions

Parameter	Levetiracetam IR 500 mg q12 h	Levetiracetam XR 1000 mg
Cmax (μg/mL)	19.7	17.4
Tmax (h)	0.9	4
AUC(0–t) (μg/mL)	317	307
AUC∞ ((μg/mL)	325	313

Notes: AUC_(0–t): area under the plasma-concentration–time curve from time 0 to last measurable time point.

AUC_∞: area under the plasma-concentration–time curve extrapolated from time 0 to infinity.

Adapted with permission from Rouits E, Burton I, Guénolé E, Troenaru MM, Stockis A, Sargentini-Maier ML. Pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam XR 500 mg tablets. Epilepsy Res. 2009;84(2–3):224–231.⁵ Copyright © 2009 Elsevier.

Table 2 recommended dosing adjustment in adults with impaired renal function²²

Degree of renal impairment	Creatinine clearance (mL/min/1.73 m^2)	Dose per day
Normal	>80	1000 to 3000 mg
Mild	50 to 80	1000 to 2000 mg
Moderate	30 to 50	500 to 1500 mg
Severe	<30	500 to 1000 mg

Table 3 Adverse events reported by ≥5% of patients in the levetiracetam xr group¹

Adverse event	Levetiracetam XR	Placebo
Somnolence	7.8%	2.5%
Influenza	7.8%	3.8%
Irritability	6.5%	0
Nasopharyngitis	6.5%	5.1%
Nausea	5.2%	2.5%
Dizziness	5.2%	2.5%

RouitsEBurtonIGuénoléETroenaruMMStockisASargentini-MaierMLPharmacokinetics of levetiracetam XR 500 mg tabletsEpilepsy Res2009842–322423119264451

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KeppraXR [Package insert]Smyrna, GAUCB Pharma, Inc2008

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PeltolaJCoetzeeCJiménezFOnce-daily extended-release levetiracetam as adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialEpilepsia200950340641419317886

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