Levetiracetam Tablets, 250-mg

Prescription Anticonvulsant Tablets for Seizure Control in Pets

Product Description

Levetiracetam 250mg Tablets are a prescription anticonvulsant that veterinarians use to manage seizures in dogs and cats. Rather than working through the liver like older seizure medications, it takes a different route in the brain to calm down the overactive nerve signals that trigger seizures. This makes it a particularly valuable option for pets with liver disease or those who have developed problems on phenobarbital. The 250mg tablet is the smallest available strength and is widely used in cats and smaller dogs.

Benefits

• Refractory Epilepsy Control: Used alongside phenobarbital or potassium bromide when a single anticonvulsant does not adequately control seizures in dogs and cats.
• Liver-Safe Anticonvulsant: Does not require hepatic metabolism, making it significantly safer for pets with liver disease or phenobarbital-induced liver damage than other anticonvulsants.
• Hepatic Encephalopathy Seizures: Used to control seizures associated with hepatic encephalopathy, where liver-metabolized anticonvulsants cannot be used safely.
• Standalone or Combination Use: Can be used as a sole anticonvulsant or combined with other seizure medications depending on the severity and type of epilepsy.
• Minimal Drug Interactions: Has fewer clinically significant drug interactions than older anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital, simplifying multi-drug seizure management.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Levetiracetam 250mg

How to Use

Levetiracetam 250mg Tablets are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

Tucking it inside a soft pill pocket or wrapping it in a pill wrap treat is one of the easiest ways to make the whole process stress-free.

Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats

Additional Information

Precautions

• Never Stop Abruptly: Cutting this medication off without a proper step-down plan can bring on withdrawal seizures, so any changes must be made gradually with your vet's guidance.
• Dose Reduction in Kidney Disease: Pets whose kidneys are not functioning at full capacity may need a lower dose, as the body takes longer to clear the medication in these cases.
• Tolerance May Develop in Dogs: Some dogs on long-term levetiracetam experience reduced seizure control over time as tolerance develops; let your vet know if seizures become more frequent.
• Caution in Pregnancy: This medication has been linked to increased fetal and embryonal losses; use only when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk in pregnant animals.
• Do Not Substitute Formulations: Immediate-release and extended-release tablets are not interchangeable; never switch between the two without specific guidance from your veterinarian.
• Check for Drug Interactions: Before starting treatment, make sure your vet has a full picture of everything your pet is currently taking, particularly other anticonvulsants and CNS-active drugs.

Possible Side Effects

• Sedation and Lethargy: Mild drowsiness is the most commonly reported side effect and often settles down as the pet adjusts to the medication over time.
• Incoordination and Wobbliness: Mild unsteadiness and an uncertain gait may be noticed, particularly at higher doses or when first starting treatment.
• Behavioral Changes: Mild restlessness, agitation, or unusual behavior have been reported in some dogs and cats receiving levetiracetam.
• Vomiting and Reduced Appetite: Digestive upset including vomiting and decreased appetite may occur, particularly at the start of treatment.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature Storage: Tablets should be kept in a well-sealed container at room temperature, protected from excess heat and humidity at all times.
• Protect from Moisture and Heat: Avoid storing tablets in damp or warm areas, as this can gradually affect their strength and effectiveness.
• Keep Out of Reach: Always store this medication somewhere secure and out of reach of children and untreated pets.

Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What conditions does levetiracetam treat in dogs and cats?

Ans: Levetiracetam is used when a single seizure medication is not keeping things under control on its own, making it a common add-on for refractory epilepsy in dogs and cats. It is also a go-to option for seizures tied to liver disease, where medications that rely on the liver for processing are not suitable. Your vet will confirm the right approach for your pet.

Q2: Why is levetiracetam considered safer for the liver than phenobarbital?

Ans: Phenobarbital puts a fair amount of strain on the liver because that is where it gets broken down, and over time that can cause real damage. Levetiracetam sidesteps the liver entirely, which makes it a much more comfortable fit for pets that already have liver issues or have run into trouble with phenobarbital. Your vet will factor this in when choosing the right anticonvulsant.

Q3: What is tolerance development in dogs on levetiracetam and how is it managed?

Ans: Some dogs on levetiracetam for a longer period start to see its effects wear off gradually as the body adjusts to having it around. Seizures that were previously well controlled may start creeping back in. Your vet can look at adjusting the dose, adding another medication, or revisiting the overall treatment plan if this happens.

Q4: Can levetiracetam cause behavioral changes in dogs and cats?

Ans: A small number of dogs and cats on levetiracetam show signs of restlessness, agitation, or generally acting out of character during treatment. These changes are usually mild and do not affect every pet. It is worth keeping an eye out and letting your vet know if anything seems noticeably different in your pet's mood or behaviour.

Q5: Can levetiracetam 250mg be used as the only seizure medication for a cat?

Ans: Levetiracetam can work well on its own in cats, especially since it tends to be gentler on the body and the liver than many other seizure medications. For cats with more stubborn epilepsy, combining it with another anticonvulsant is also a recognised approach. Your vet will decide whether going solo or combining makes the most sense for your cat.

Clinical Research

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14615473/ https://academic.oup.com/tropej/article/67/2/fmab041/6296315?login=false