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AVAILABLE in
250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg and 1000 mg
TABLETS
AS WELL AS ORAL SOLUTION
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In the search for seizure control in dogs and cats, phenobarbital and potassium bromide are the dominant medications. Unfortunately, these medications are not always appropriate for a given pet. Phenobarbital, for example, requires extensive metabolism in the liver, can actually cause liver damage, and is associated with numerous drug interactions. Potassium bromide has been associated with pancreatitis and cannot be used in cats because it can induce inflammatory lung disease in this species.
As advances are made in seizure control in humans, medications eventually spill down into veterinary use and levetiracetam is a good example. Levetiracetam has been very effective in human seizure control and has the added benefit of not being metabolized in the body. (It is removed unchanged by the kidneys and thus does not pose a problem for patients with pre-existing liver diseases.) With the introduction of generics, levetiracettam became affordable for most pet owners.
Exactly how levetiracetam controls seizures in the brain remains unknown.
The chief disadvantage of levetiracetam is that it must be given three times daily in most veterinary patients.
Levitiracetam can be used alone or in combination with other seizure control medications.
There are very few side effects with this medication. All seizure control medications have potential to cause drowsiness. Some cats lose their appetites temporarily when beginning levetiracetam.
Addition of levetiracetam may allow doses of other seizure control medications to be reduced.
Patients with kidney disease will need a dose adjustment.
Page posted: 6/18/10
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