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Intravenous levetiracetam in children with seizures: a prospective safety study

Yu-tze Ng1, Eric V Hastriter, Javier F Cardenas

  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA. y2ng@chw.edu

Journal of Child Neurology
|April 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Intravenous levetiracetam is safe and well-tolerated in children aged 6 months to 15 years. This study confirms a 50 mg/kg dose as an appropriate loading dose for pediatric epilepsy treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Epilepsy Treatment

Background:

  • Intravenous levetiracetam is FDA-approved for adults with epilepsy.
  • Limited data exists on its use in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish the safety, tolerability, and dosage of intravenous levetiracetam in children.
  • To evaluate levetiracetam blood levels and adverse reactions in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 30 children (6 months to <15 years).
  • Administered a single intravenous dose of levetiracetam (50 mg/kg, max 2500 mg).
  • Measured levetiracetam blood levels 10 minutes post-infusion.

Main Results:

  • Mean age of participants was 6.3 years.
  • Mean levetiracetam level was 83.3 microg/mL.
  • No serious adverse reactions; minor reactions included sleepiness and fatigue.
  • Apparent decrease in seizure frequency observed.

Conclusions:

  • The 50 mg/kg intravenous levetiracetam dose is safe and well-tolerated in children.
  • This dose is an appropriate loading dose for pediatric epilepsy.
  • Further research may explore long-term efficacy and safety.

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