"Keppra" - reviews. Anticonvulsant drug. Description of the preparation, instruction

Epilepsy is a common disease associated with a group of psychoneurological. The illness is chronic and will be cured completely impossible. The patient can feel normally for a long time. During an exacerbation there comes a convulsive attack, which is a danger to the life of the patient. To prevent the aggravation of epilepsy, various medications are used. The drug called "Keppra" is popular. Feedback from experts about it is more positive.

Form of issue and composition

The drug is available in the form of tablets and a solution for internal use. Medication belongs to the group of anticonvulsants. The main active ingredient is levetiracetamate dihydrochloride. As auxiliary substances, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, macrogol, magnesium stearate are used. In the solution, additional components such as sodium acetate trihydrate, sodium hydrochloride, and also acetic acid are additionally used.

The mechanism of action of the main component is significantly different from the known antiepileptic drugs. Levetiracetamine dihydrochloride helps to reduce the release of calcium from intra-neuronal depot. The activity of the drug has been proved with respect to various forms of epileptic seizures.

Pharmacokinetics

After ingestion, "Keppra" (tablets) is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Adsorption is linear. The concentration of the main component in the blood plasma can easily be predicted based on the dose that the patient takes. Bioavailability of the drug is 100%.

The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is reached after an hour and a half after ingestion. The therapeutic effect can be seen after a few days, provided that the tablets are taken twice a day. Keppra solution works much faster. The patient observes the first results the day after the start of therapy.

Indications

As a monotherapy, most often the drug "Keppra" is used. The reviews show that the treatment gives good results. Therefore, there is no need to use other medications. The drug can be prescribed for partial seizures in adults and children older than 4 years with epilepsy. When developing myoclonic seizures, the drug can also be prescribed to patients older than 12 years.

As part of complex therapy, "Keppra" (syrup) can be used if partial seizures with secondary generalization are observed in patients older than 1 month. If it is a question of children of preschool age, treatment passes only only in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor.

In pediatrics, the drug is used with caution. Negative effects on small patients have not previously been observed. However, specialists note that children who undergo treatment are characterized by poor memory, the desire to learn is significantly reduced. The drug "Depakin Keppra" is used only if other, more sparing funds do not give a positive result.

Contraindications

Has its contraindications medicament "Keppra." Instruction for use indicates that the drug in the form of tablets can not be administered to patients under 4 years of age. For children, a drug in the form of a solution or a syrup is more appropriate. But even in this form the remedy is not assigned to babies of the first month of life. The drug can not be used by patients who have a violation of fructose tolerance. Neglect of this rule can lead to the development of serious side effects.

No medication is prescribed for people with severe renal impairment, as well as liver failure. Elderly patients (over 65 years of age) use the drug with caution. Treatment takes place in a medical institution under the supervision of a doctor.

An anticonvulsant can provoke the development of an allergic reaction. Some patients may develop hypersensitivity to individual components of the drug. If any unpleasant symptoms develop, stop taking the medication and consult a specialist for advice.

special instructions

If there was a need to cancel the use of an anticonvulsant, it should be done gradually. A sharp cessation of the use of tablets or syrup can trigger the onset of an epileptic fit. Concomitant medicines are also being phased out gradually.

Patients who have kidney and liver diseases should undergo a comprehensive body examination before starting treatment. This will identify possible contraindications. An anticonvulsant drug can have a negative effect on kidney function. In some cases, a dose adjustment may be required.

In connection with reports of suicidal intentions of patients who have been treated with Keppra, relatives should not be left alone for a long time. When the first symptoms of depression appear, you need to seek help from your doctor.

Dosage

The medicine "Keppra" is taken twice a day. In the case of monotherapy, patients older than sixteen years of age are prescribed medication in the form of tablets. The initial dosage is 500 mg per day. This norm is divided into two 250 mg units. After a while, the dosage can be increased to 1000 mg per day. The maximum norm can not exceed 3000 mg.

In the complex therapy for children over 1 month, a medicinal product in the form of a syrup can be prescribed. Dosage is determined based on the patient's body weight and is 7 mg per 1 kg of body weight. If the child is taking the medicine normally, after a week the dosage can be increased to 21 mg per 1 kg of body weight. Treatment of children under 3 years must be strictly in the conditions of a medical institution under the supervision of a pediatrician. Dosage for children weighing more than 50 kg is the same as for adults (500 mg per day).

It is worth remembering that the drug "Keppra 500" is excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, patients who have some abnormalities in the work of this body may need a dose adjustment. The daily rate will be somewhat lower and in the treatment of people older than 65 years.

Overdose

Side effects can develop if you use excessive amounts of Keppra tablets. The reviews show that the first symptoms of an overdose are drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, depression. At night, the patient may be disturbed by sleep, nightmarish dreams will appear.

In an acute period, an overdose is treated by washing the stomach. At home, you can try to induce vomiting yourself. Then, activated charcoal is assigned. In addition, symptomatic treatment can be performed in a medical setting.

Adverse events

There may be unpleasant symptoms and with the correct dosage of the drug "Keppra". Levetiracetam at the initial stage of treatment can cause excessive drowsiness. This phenomenon is of a temporary nature and no abolition of therapy is required. The patient may have symptoms such as headache, imbalance, decreased concentration, memory impairment.

On the part of the digestive system, there may be side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. In some cases, anorexia develops. Patients at all refuse to eat. Treatment in this case should only take place under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital.

With prolonged use of the drug "Keppra" side effects can manifest themselves as dermatological reactions. It is itchy skin, redness, peeling, small rash. There may also be visual impairment. The decision to stop taking tablets or a solution is taken by a specialist. In some cases, it is sufficient to correct the dosage so that the appearance of adverse reactions decreases.

Drug Interactions

The main active ingredient does not interact with anticonvulsants. Therefore, the drug "Keppra" can be part of the complex therapy of epilepsy. If the daily dosage of the drug exceeds 1000 mg, with caution should be taken oral contraceptives. The pharmacokinetics of hormonal drugs under the influence of Keppra medication can be changed.

It is not recommended to use anticonvulsants with topiramate. The risk of anorexia is significantly increased.

Keppra tablets should be taken on an empty stomach. Essentially, the rate of absorption of the main active ingredient is reduced, provided that the drug is used after a meal.

There are no data on the interaction of the drug with alcohol.

Analogues

There are many high-quality anticonvulsants in pharmacies. Therefore, if the right medicine could not be found, one can always find a good analogue. To help in this matter, a qualified doctor will come. He will tell you what medicine is suitable in a particular case. The drug "Lamiktal" is popular among specialists. The main active ingredient is lamotrigine. As auxiliary substances, lactose monohydrate, carboxymethyl starch sodium, iron oxide yellow, magnesium stearate, as well as povidone. The drug can be prescribed as part of a complex therapy for epilepsy in patients older than 3 years.

What else can replace the medicine "Keppra"? Analogues are presented in pharmacies in a wide range. Tablets "Komviron" showed themselves well. Like Keppar, this drug is based on levetiracetam dihydrochloride. The medicine can be used during pregnancy and lactation. However, you should consult a doctor beforehand. Tablets are prescribed if the intended benefit exceeds the possible harm to the child.

In epilepsy therapy, Epitera tablets are widely used. Here, the main active ingredient is levetiracetam. As auxiliary substances, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, and magnesium stearate are used. The medication is prescribed for the treatment of patients over the age of twelve. Preschool children are strictly contraindicated.

Reviews about the medicine "Keppra"

Patients suffering from epilepsy know the drug "Keppra". Reviews about the drug can be heard at most positive. The main active component contributes to a significant reduction in the number of convulsive seizures. However, at the initial stage of treatment, side effects can develop. They are temporary and cancellation therapy is not required.

Negative reviews of the drug in most cases occur in those patients who have not sufficiently studied the instructions. Dosage should be carefully observed and the doctor should be informed of any adverse reactions.

Where can I buy?

The medication is presented in many pharmacies. It is sold only on prescription. Therefore, you will not be able to buy the pill or solution without the appointment of a doctor. If you order the drug online, you can save a lot. You will have to pay about 900 rubles for the packaging of Keppra tablets. Instructions for use, reviews about the drug - all this can be clarified from the manager in an online pharmacy.