- Description
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- FAQ
Description
Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant drug that is used to treat seizures and epilepsy in dogs and cats. It's a medication often used as additional therapy to treat these conditions in dogs when their seizures are not well controlled by phenobarbital or bromides. It can also be used to treat seizures caused by hepatic encephalopathy or liver damage.
Levetiracetam for cats can be used as an add-on medication or can be dosed as a single therapy for cats that are unable to tolerate phenobarbital. In horses, levetiracetam can be used as an anticonvulsant.
Levetiracetam is a prescription medication that your veterinarian will prescribe to your pet based on their individual condition.
The medication is given every 8 hours and should take effect within 1 to 2 hours. Since the full effects may not be obvious right away, your veterinarian may monitor your pet with different tests to evaluate the efficiency of the medication.
Help ease your pet’s seizures and epilepsy symptoms with Levetiracetam. All our medications are made in our state-of-the-art pharmacy lab in Arizona, USA.
Purchasing affordable pet medications online has never been easier! ExpressVet offers the largest selection of pet medications on planet earth. If you can't find it here, let us know and we'll get it for you! Transform your pet's life with the best pet medications available on the market today.
When it comes to something as important as your pets, you want the best medication possible without breaking the bank. When you buy ExpressVet's compounded medications, you get better value and happy pets!
Uses
Levetiracetam compounded oral capsules are given by mouth in the form of a capsule daily with or without food. If your pet vomits after dosing it on an empty stomach, try giving future doses with food. Do not crush or allow your pet to chew the capsules as they should be taken whole. The effects should be noticeable within 1 to 2 hours.
This medication should be given just as your veterinarian prescribes. If you have difficulty giving it to your pet, contact your veterinarian for some helpful tips. We recommend washing your hands with soap and water after handling any medication.
Levetiracetam can be helpful as additional therapy to phenobarbital and bromides in dogs and cats with epilepsy and seizures. Do not stop the medication without talking with your veterinarian first, since withdrawal seizures or severe neurologic adverse effects can occur.
Possible Side Effects
Levetiracetam compounded oral capsules is generally safe, however, the most common side effects of levetiracetam in dogs include drowsiness, ataxia, and incoordination. In cats there could be drooling, sleepiness, incoordination, and a reduced appetite.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if these side effects continue or become more severe.
Drug & Food Interactions
Drug Interactions: If your pet is on any of the following medications you should use levetiracetam with caution
- Carbamazepine: When combined may result in signs of carbamazepine toxicity (e.g. nystagmus, ataxia, dizziness).
- CNS Depressants: (e.g. benzodiazepines, opioids) When combined may increase the risk for CNS depression.
- Methotrexate: When combined may increase methotrexate levels and risk for toxicity.
- NSAIDs: Use with caution, veterinary significance is not clear.
- Phenobarbital: When combined in dogs, dosage adjustments may be required due to increased levetiracetam clearance.
Precautions
Levetiracetam should not be given to pets that are hypersensitive to it. It should be used with caution in animals that are pregnant or with decreased kidney function.
Monitoring
Pet owners are encouraged to keep a record of seizures and adverse effects. Your veterinarian will likely monitor your pet for routine CBC and basic metabolic panel every 6 to 12 months.
Active Ingredients
Levetiracetam
Instructions
Levetiracetam compounded oral capsules are given to your pet by mouth with or without food daily. If vomiting occurs when given on an empty stomach, give future doses with a treat or food. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian. Exact instructions will be prescribed by your veterinarian. This medication can take effect in about 1 to 2 hours.
Storage Instructions
Levetiracetam compounded oral capsules should be stored at room temperatures from 68° - 77°F with the cap tightly closed, and away from light, moisture, heat, or humidity.
Doses
Levetiracetam dosage for dogs and cats:
Levetiracetam compounded oral capsules should be given orally every 8 hours daily with or without food. Do not crush or allow your pet to chew the capsules as they should be taken whole. The exact dosage will be prescribed by your veterinarian.
What if I miss giving my pet a dose? If you miss a dose, give the next dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the following dose, then continue with the next scheduled one and skip the missed dose. Do not give a double dose to catch up or make up for a missed dose.
FAQ
What is levetiracetam?
Levetiracetam is the generic medication for the brand name Keppra. It is available in tablet form or capsule and is an anticonvulsant used to treat dogs and cats with seizures and epilepsy.
What is levetiracetam for dogs?
Levetiracetam is used to treat dogs, cats, and horses who suffer from seizures or epilepsy. It is usually given as an add-on medication with other anticonvulsants. In cats, it can be used in combination or as a single medication to treat these conditions.
How long does it take for levetiracetam to work?
Levetiracetam should start working within 1 to 2 hours of dosage. It is important that you do not stop this medication suddenly otherwise seizures may occur.
How does levetiracetam prevent seizures?
Seizures can take place in dogs and cats when the brain cells are working faster than normal or not properly at all. Levetiracetam slows down the electrical signals to the brain which stop seizures.
Do I need a prescription for levetiracetam?
Yes, a prescription is required for levetiracetam, and your veterinarian will be able to provide it for your pet.
What are the side effects of levetiracetam in dogs?
Levetiracetam side effects in dogs can include sleepiness and incoordination. Side effects for cats include decreased appetite, drooling, sleepiness, and incoordination. Severe side effects can include ongoing vomiting, If this happens contact your veterinarian immediately.
Where can I buy levetiracetam?
You can buy levetiracetam for dogs and cats online at ExpressVet Pharmacy. Once ordered your prescription will be conveniently shipped to your home within 1 to 2 business days.
What if my pet overdoses?
If you know or suspect that your pet experienced an overdose, call veterinary services immediately or a 24-hour poison consultation center should be contacted. Signs of an overdose can include panting, vomiting, tremors, vocalization, and increased heart rate.
What is compounding?
Compounding is a method of preparing individualized prescription medications by licensed pharmacists. Compounding allows the practitioner, the pharmacist, and the pet owner to collaborate to create custom dosages, flavors, and dosage forms for pets to easily, safely, and effectively take their medication. Often pet owners struggle to give oral tablets which is why ExpressVet offers compounded oral liquids, transdermal gels, capsules, and treats to make taking care of your pet easy.
How do I order a compounded prescription medication for my pet?
- Sign in to your existing ExpressVet account, or create a new account.
- Select the item or item(s) you are requesting and add to your cart
- Add your pet’s information and your vet’s information.
- If you are a returning customer, you will see your previous choices available or you can add as new.
- Let us know if you want us to request a prescription from your veterinarian, or if you would like to mail in a prescription.
- Complete your billing, shipping, and payment information at checkout to complete your order.
Do all compounded medications require a prescription?
Yes, all compounded medications require a prescription. Express Vet Pharmacy is happy to request a prescription order from your veterinarian, but all prescription orders must be accompanied by a patient-specific prescription from a licensed veterinarian before an order can be shipped out.
Where is Express Vet licensed to dispense veterinary prescription medications?
We are licensed in 38 states. Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Hawaii (HI), Illinois (IL), Iowa (IA), Idaho (ID), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Massachusetts (MA) ,Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Dakota (ND), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Utah (UT), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA) *We Cannot Ship Compounds to WA, West Virginia (WV), and Wisconsin (WI)
Where does ExpressVet source the ingredients for compounding?
All ingredients for compounding are from FDA registered manufacturers and distributors.
How long does it take to process my prescription after the pharmacy receives it?
Once the pharmacy receives authorization to dispense from your veterinarian, compounded medications are prepared and shipped out within 1 to 2 business days.