Levetiracetam
Status epilepticus (second-line after benzodiazepines), Seizure prophylaxis
Indications
- Status epilepticus (second-line after benzodiazepines)
- Seizure prophylaxis
Adult dosing
- status epilepticus: dose: 60; unit: mg/kg; maxDose: 4500; maxDoseAbsolute: true; route: IV over 15 min; weightBased: true
Pediatric dosing
- status epilepticus: dose: 60; unit: mg/kg; maxDose: 4500; maxDoseAbsolute: true; route: IV over 15 min; weightBased: true
Clinical pearls
- First-line second-line agent for status epilepticus after benzodiazepines — preferred due to safety profile
- No significant drug interactions; does not require hepatic metabolism
- Can cause behavioral changes (irritability, aggression) — more common in pediatric patients
- No cardiac monitoring required during infusion (advantage over fosphenytoin)
Source and review
- AES Guidelines 2016; Neurocritical Care Society Guidelines. Last reviewed: 2024-11-01