Last reviewed · How we verify
Standard dose levetiracetam
Levetiracetam reduces neuronal excitability and seizure activity through binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release.
Levetiracetam reduces neuronal excitability and seizure activity through binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release. Used for Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy), Myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (adjunctive therapy), Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Standard dose levetiracetam |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Standard levetiracetam |
| Sponsor | Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research |
| Drug class | Antiepileptic agent |
| Target | SV2A (synaptic vesicle protein 2A) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Levetiracetam is a pyrrolidone derivative that binds to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which is involved in vesicle exocytosis and neurotransmitter release. This binding reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and stabilizes neuronal membranes, thereby decreasing seizure susceptibility. The exact mechanism remains incompletely understood, but SV2A binding is considered the primary molecular action responsible for its antiepileptic effects.
Approved indications
- Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy)
- Myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (adjunctive therapy)
- Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy)
Common side effects
- Somnolence
- Asthenia/fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Behavioral/mood changes (irritability, aggression)
- Ataxia
- Infection
Key clinical trials
- A Platform Protocol to Investigate Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide-Based Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Undergoing Mismatched Unrelated Donor Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (PHASE2)
- Short Versus Long-term Levetiracetam in Brain Tumors (PHASE3)
- Levetiracetam Versus Phenobarbitone for the Treatment of Neonatal Seizures in a Tertiary Care Hospital. (NA)
- Treatment of Seizures in Neonate With HIE (PHASE4)
- rAAV-Olig001-ASPA Gene Therapy for Treatment of Children With Typical Canavan Disease (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Dose Escalation Study of Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Neonatal Seizures (PHASE2)
- Levetiracetam Compared to Magnesium Sulfate for Prevention of Eclamptic Seizure (PHASE3)
- Low vs. Standard Daily Doses of Antiepileptic Drugs in Newly Diagnosed, Previously Untreated Epilepsy(STANDLOW) (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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