Keppra
Keppra (Levetriacetam) is an anticonvulsant that was approved for use in humans with epilepsy in 1999. Keppra has been effective in several clinical studies in humans.
In dogs, Keppra has undergone extensive studies on the pharmacokinetics and safety in healthy dogs but clinical trials evaluating this drug in dogs with epilepsy are still being done. However, some neurologists have used Keppra with some success and this drug shows promise.
The Morris Animal Foundation funded a three year study on Keppra which was conducted at the University of Tennessee, North Carolina State University and Virginia Tech. The results of this study showed that there is considerable variability from dog to dog in the serum levels of the drug that are attained, despite all dogs being administered the same dose. This is unusual for a drug like Keppra that does not undergo metabolism by the liver.
A second study to further evaluate the kinetics of the drug in dogs, to better understand these unexpected results is currently being done. This study should be published in the Fall of 2008.
Keppra Facts:
Mean Elimination Half-Life: 3.6 hours
Time to Reach Steady State Concentrations: Unknown
Target Serum Concentrations: Unknown
Adverse Effects: Adverse effects from long term use has not been studied in dogs.
Monitoring: Unknown
