Use of Levetiracetam in Special Populations

TLDR

The study aims to refine levetiracetam dosing recommendations for special populations. The authors reviewed 27 safety and pharmacokinetic studies of levetiracetam in children, the elderly, and patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Findings show children need higher weight‑based doses, renal impairment requires dose adjustments per creatinine clearance, hepatic impairment does not necessitate changes, and limited fetal data warrant cautious use in pregnancy.

Abstract

A subset of the 27 safety and pharmacokinetic studies of levetiracetam has been conducted in selected special populations: children, the elderly, and people with renal or hepatic impairment. The results of these studies indicate that higher doses need to be used for children (on a per-weight basis), and individuals with renal dysfunction require dosage modifications related to creatinine clearance. Individuals with hepatic impairment do not require modifications from standard doses. Little information is available on the effect of levetiracetam on the developing fetus, so cautious use during pregnancy is recommended until more information is available. Additional studies will refine the recommendations for use of levetiracetam in these special populations.