Levetiracetam

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: Keppra

Pharmacological Mechanism

Pyrrolidone antiseizure — binds synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) reducing synaptic neurotransmitter release. Broad-spectrum + best-tolerated newer antiseizure agent. Renally cleared, no CYP — DDI-light. Behavioral side effects (irritability, depression) in some patients.

Half-Life (t½)

PO: 7.3h, IV: 7.3h

Dosing Guidelines

• PO: Typical 1000 mg (Range: 250–3000 mg)

Target Organ Systems

• nervous

Pathways It Modulates

• Gabapentinoid α2δ-1 (inhibitor) — SV2A (presynaptic vesicle protein)

Chemical Identifiers

• PubChem CID: 5284583
• Formula: C8H14N2O2
• Molecular weight: 170.21 g/mol
• InChIKey: HPHUVLMMVZITSG-LURJTMIESA-N
• SMILES: CC[C@@H](C(=O)N)N1CCCC1=O

References

• PMID 15301575