Levipil 250mg Tablet

Levipil 250MG Tablet

Levipil 250MG Tablet is an anti-epileptic medication manufactured by SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD. It is primarily used to manage and prevent various types of seizures associated with epilepsy.

• Name:
  • Common Name: Levetiracetam
  • Brand Name: Levipil 250MG Tablet
• Composition:
  • Each tablet contains Levetiracetam 250 mg.
• Uses: Levipil 250MG Tablet is prescribed for the treatment of seizures (fits) due to epilepsy. It can be used alone (monotherapy) or in combination with other anti-epileptic medications (adjunct therapy).
  • Partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults and adolescents from 16 years of age.
  • Myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
  • Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and suppressing abnormal nerve cell firing that causes seizures.
• Dosage and Administration: Levipil 250MG Tablet is taken orally, swallowed whole with a sufficient quantity of liquid, and can be taken with or without food. The daily dose is usually administered in two equally divided doses.
  • Adults and adolescents (16 years and above): The recommended starting dose is 250 mg twice daily, increasing to an initial therapeutic dose of 500 mg twice daily after two weeks. The dose can be further increased by 250 mg twice daily every two weeks, up to a maximum of 1500 mg twice daily.
  • Children 6 years and above: The lowest effective dose should be used. Dosing for children 50 kg or greater is the same as adults. Oral solution may be preferred for doses under 250 mg or for patients unable to swallow tablets. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly, as this may worsen seizures.
• Side Effects:
  • Common Side Effects: Sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, irritation, aggression, agitation, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), infection, nausea, tremors, vertigo, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash. These often occur in the initial weeks and may lessen over time.
  • Serious Side Effects (less common): Suicidal thoughts or behavior, acute kidney injury, severe allergic reactions (such as swelling of the face, lips, eyes, tongue, and throat, trouble swallowing or breathing, and hives), and QT interval prolongation (a heart condition with an irregular heartbeat).
• Precautions:
  • Allergy: Do not take if you are allergic to Levetiracetam or any other components of the tablet.
  • Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment may be necessary in patients with kidney problems. Assessment of renal function is recommended, especially in patients with severely impaired hepatic function.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Levipil 250MG Tablet is not recommended during pregnancy or for women of childbearing potential not using contraception unless clinically necessary. It is excreted in human breast milk, so breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment.
  • Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can intensify sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness, and may increase the risk of coma.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or visual disturbances, affecting the ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities if you experience such effects.
  • Mental Health: Patients should be monitored for signs of depression, suicidal ideation, and unusual behavioral changes.
  • Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, lung disease, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), difficulty sleeping (sleep apnea), irregular heartbeats, or salt imbalances.
  • Drug Interactions: Co-administration of levetiracetam with a laxative like macrogol may decrease levetiracetam's efficacy. It is advised to take macrogol one hour before or after levetiracetam.
  • Overdose: An overdose may cause sleepiness, irritability, hostility, decreased awareness, respiratory inhibition, and coma. Seek immediate medical attention in case of suspected overdose.
• Storage: Store Levipil 250MG Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. Store at room temperature, ideally between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Protect from light and moisture. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date.

What is LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET used for?

LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET, containing Levetiracetam, is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures (fits) in people with epilepsy. It can be used as monotherapy for partial-onset seizures in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older with newly diagnosed epilepsy. It is also used as an add-on therapy for partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures in individuals with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in those with Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy, in adults, adolescents, and children from 1 month of age.

How does LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET work?

LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET works by slowing down abnormal electrical signals in the brain that cause seizures. Its active ingredient, levetiracetam, binds to a specific protein in the brain called synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), which plays a key role in the release of neurotransmitters. By modulating neurotransmitter release, it reduces the abnormal electrical activity associated with seizures without broadly inhibiting normal nerve signaling.

What is the usual dosage for LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET?

For adults and adolescents 16 years of age and older, the recommended starting dose is typically 250 mg twice daily, which can be increased to an initial therapeutic dose of 500 mg twice daily after two weeks. The dose can be further increased by 250 mg twice daily every two weeks, depending on the clinical response, up to a maximum dose of 1500 mg twice daily. For children and adolescents weighing 50 kg or more, the initial therapeutic dose is 500 mg twice daily, which can be started on the first day of treatment. Dosing for children and those with kidney impairment should be determined by a doctor. The tablet should be swallowed whole with liquid and can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET?

Common side effects include sleepiness (somnolence), dizziness, fatigue, headache, infection, aggression, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, and irritability. Some patients may also experience asthenia (lack of energy), nausea, tremors, or vertigo. In rare cases, more serious side effects like acute kidney injury, decreased blood cell counts, and suicidal thoughts or behavior have been reported. It is important to contact your doctor if side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience changes in mood or behavior.

Is LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The use of LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET during pregnancy requires careful consideration. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy and for women of childbearing potential not using contraception unless clinically necessary. However, some sources indicate it may be considered safe if prescribed by a doctor after a careful assessment, especially as untreated seizures can harm both the mother and baby. High-dose folic acid (5mg a day) is recommended for those trying to conceive or who become pregnant while taking levetiracetam.

Regarding breastfeeding, LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET is excreted in human breast milk. While some sources advise against breastfeeding, others suggest it is probably safe with monitoring, as limited human data indicates the drug may not represent a significant risk to the baby. If treatment is necessary during breastfeeding, the doctor should weigh the benefits and risks. Babies should be monitored for drowsiness, vomiting, or not feeding well. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Certain medications can interact with LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET. Concomitant administration with methotrexate has been reported to decrease methotrexate clearance, potentially leading to toxic levels, requiring careful monitoring of blood methotrexate and LEVIPIL levels. The efficacy of LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET may be decreased if taken with the osmotic laxative macrogol, so macrogol should be avoided one hour before and one hour after taking LEVIPIL. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid possible interactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET?

• Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with kidney problems.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Anti-epileptic agents, including LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET, have been associated with a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients and caregivers should monitor for signs of depression or suicidal ideation and seek medical advice if they emerge.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can enhance sedative effects, leading to increased drowsiness and dizziness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Due to potential side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and decreased alertness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Abrupt Discontinuation: Do not stop taking LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can worsen seizures or lead to a seizure relapse.
• Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver problems, heart conditions, depression, or a history of irregular heartbeats.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Consistent daily dosing is essential for maintaining efficacy.

How should LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET be stored?

LEVIPIL 250MG TABLET should be stored at room temperature, ideally not exceeding 25°C, in a cool and dry place. It should be protected from light and moisture and kept out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.