Levetiracetam 750 mg extended-release tablets, commonly known by the brand name Keppra, are an anticonvulsant medication used to manage seizures in dogs. This medication works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which helps to control and reduce the frequency of seizures. It is particularly important in veterinary medicine for treating dogs with epilepsy or those who have not responded adequately to other anticonvulsant drugs.
By providing a more stable and prolonged release of the medication, the extended-release formulation helps maintain consistent blood levels, improving seizure control and minimizing side effects.
Levetiracetam 750 mg extended release for dogs works by targeting SV2A, a synaptic vesicle protein. This interference reduces the release of neurotransmitters, which in turn decreases the excitability of neurons in the brain. By reducing neuronal excitability, levetiracetam helps to prevent seizures and control seizure disorders in dogs.
The extended-release formulation ensures a steady release of the medication over time, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels in the bloodstream.
Levetiracetam 750 mg extended release for dogs is prescribed for controlling seizures caused by epilepsy. It is an anticonvulsant that works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This medication is used to manage epilepsy in dogs, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
The specific conditions and symptoms that levetiracetam is prescribed for include:
Epilepsy: A chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
Seizures: Episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to symptoms such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, and behavioral changes.
Idiopathic epilepsy: A common form of epilepsy in dogs with no identifiable cause.
Seizure disorders: Conditions where dogs experience frequent or severe seizures that require management with anticonvulsant medications.
The medication helps to stabilize and regulate electrical activity in the brain, reducing the occurrence of seizures and improving the quality of life for dogs with epilepsy.
Administer levetiracetam 750 mg extended release to dogs as follows:
Dosage: The typical dosage for dogs is 5-10 mg per pound (10-20 mg/kg) of body weight, given three times daily (every 8 hours). For emergency management of active seizures, higher doses up to 20 mg/kg may be required.
Administration: Give the extended-release tablet twice daily (every 12 hours) instead of the conventional three times daily. Ensure the tablet is given intact and do not crush or split it.
With or without food: The tablet can be given with or without food.
If your dog vomits after dosing on an empty stomach, give future doses with food.
Monitoring: Monitor your dog for any side effects such as sleepiness, incoordination, or vomiting. Keep a record of seizure activity and report any changes to your veterinarian.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the regular dosing schedule. Do not give two doses at once.
Special considerations: Do not abruptly stop the medication to prevent withdrawal seizures.
Use cautiously in dogs with kidney disease, and do not use in pregnant or nursing dogs. Inform your veterinarian about any other medications your dog is taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
Follow your veterinarian’s specific instructions and cautions carefully.
Side effects of levetiracetam 750 mg extended release for dogs include:
Loss of coordination
Drowsiness
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Increased thirst and urination
Behavior changes
Seizures (rare)
Precautions to take:
Administer with food if your dog vomits after dosing on an empty stomach.
Do not crush or split the extended-release tablets.
Measure liquid forms carefully.
Do not stop abruptly to prevent withdrawal seizures.
Use with caution in dogs with decreased kidney function.
Pregnancy caution: Use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Levetiracetam 750 mg extended-release tablets, also known as Keppra, are an anticonvulsant medication used to manage seizures in dogs. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain and is particularly effective for treating epilepsy or seizure disorders in canines. The extended-release formulation ensures a steady release of the medication over time, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels in the bloodstream.
The typical dosage for dogs is 5-10 mg per pound (10-20 mg/kg) of body weight, given three times daily, but can be adjusted based on individual needs. It’s essential to administer the extended-release tablet twice daily and not crush or split it.
Common side effects include loss of coordination, drowsiness, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, behavior changes, and seizures (rare). Precautions to take include administering with food if your dog vomits after dosing on an empty stomach, measuring liquid forms carefully, and not stopping the medication abruptly.
Levetiracetam 750 mg extended release for dogs plays a vital role in improving canine health by reducing seizure frequency and severity. It’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s specific instructions and cautions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome for your dog.