Saturday, January 12, 2013

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Keppra XR Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: LEVETIRACETAM - ORAL
Pronounced: (lev-eh-turr-RASS-ih-tam)

Keppra XR Oral Uses

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant used in combination with other medications to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). Levetiracetam has been shown to decrease the number of seizures in adults and children. It is not known how it works to prevent seizures.

How To Use Keppra XR Oral

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using levetiracetam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take the liquid and regular-release tablets by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily with or without food. Crushing or chewing the tablet may cause a bitter taste.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

If you are using the extended-release tablets, take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Do not split tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment. The dosage in children is also based on weight. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as dizziness and drowsiness), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. To help you remember and to keep a constant level, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose should be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your seizures persist, change, or worsen.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised December 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.