Levetiracetam: its use in partial-onset seizure

Abstract

Levetiracetam is one of the newer antiepileptic drugs released within the past decade and is indicated for use as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial-onset seizures. It is a novel antiepileptic drug with a unique activity profile and is chemically unrelated to existing antiepileptic drugs. The mechanism of action of levetiracetam does not involve conventional modulation of any of the three main mechanisms underlying classical antiepileptic drug activity. Levetiracetam pharmacokinetics are linear and time invariant. In addition, levetiracetam has shown clinical efficacy in randomized controlled trials for treatment of partial-onset seizures. Levetiracetam also has favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. The purpose of this article is to examine the drug profile of levetiracetam, based on information derived from its preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, this article seeks to highlight key characteristics of levetiracetam that clinicians should consider in order to deliver individualized care to patients with epilepsy.