This document provides information about the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (Keppra) including its classification, dosing, mechanism of action, indications, interactions, side effects, and nursing considerations. Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant used for the treatment of seizure disorders. It works through unknown mechanisms to inhibit seizures. Nurses should monitor for side effects like dizziness and somnolence and educate patients about proper administration and risks of abruptly stopping the medication.
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This document provides information about the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (Keppra) including its classification, dosing, mechanism of action, indications, interactions, side effects, and nursing considerations. Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant used for the treatment of seizure disorders. It works through unknown mechanisms to inhibit seizures. Nurses should monitor for side effects like dizziness and somnolence and educate patients about proper administration and risks of abruptly stopping the medication.
This document provides information about the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (Keppra) including its classification, dosing, mechanism of action, indications, interactions, side effects, and nursing considerations. Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant used for the treatment of seizure disorders. It works through unknown mechanisms to inhibit seizures. Nurses should monitor for side effects like dizziness and somnolence and educate patients about proper administration and risks of abruptly stopping the medication.
Copyright:
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
This document provides information about the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (Keppra) including its classification, dosing, mechanism of action, indications, interactions, side effects, and nursing considerations. Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant used for the treatment of seizure disorders. It works through unknown mechanisms to inhibit seizures. Nurses should monitor for side effects like dizziness and somnolence and educate patients about proper administration and risks of abruptly stopping the medication.
Copyright:
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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Clinical Medications Worksheets
Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency
levetiracetam Keppra Anticonvulsants, pyrrolidines 500 mg PO Q 12 hrs Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range 1-1.5 hr rapid 12 hr 500mg twice daily initially; may be increased by 1000 mg/day at 2 wk intervals up to 3000 mg/day Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions Seizure disorder N/A Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on) (Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions The precise mechanism(s) by which levetiracetam exerts its Hypersensitivity. Geriatric: renal elimination decreased; dose antiepileptic effect is unknown. The antiepileptic activity of reduction may be necessary; Renal impairment (dose reduction levetiracetam was assessed in a number of animal models of recommended if CCr < or = 80mL/minr.) epileptic seizures. Levetiracetam did not inhibit single seizures Common side effects induced by maximal stimulation with electrical current or Dizziness, weakness different chemoconvulsants and showed only minimal activity in submaximal stimulation and in threshold tests. Protection was observed, however, against secondarily generalized activity from focal seizures induced by pilocarpine and kainic acid, two chemoconvulsants that induce seizures that mimic some features of human complex partial seizures with secondary generalization. Levetiracetam also displayed inhibitory properties in the kindling model in rats, another model of human complex partial seizures, both during kindling development and in the fully kindled state. The predictive value of these animal models for specific types of human epilepsy is uncertain. Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine medicines (ask patient specifically) May cause decrease RBC and WBC and abnormal liver function tests. Reglan: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, Instruct patient to take medication as directed. Take missed doses as especially in elderly or debilitated patients. soon as possible unless almost time for next dose. Do not double doses. Do not discontinue abruptly; may cause increase in frequency of seizures. May cause dizziness and somnolence. Caution patient to avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known. Do not resume driving until physician gives clearance based on control of seizure disorder. Instruct patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen prior to treatment or surgery. Advise patient to carry identification describing disease process and medication regimen at all times. Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation (Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this med? Check after giving Assess location, duration, and characteristics of Abrupt discontinuation of this medication may Decrease in the frequency of or seizure activity. Assess patient for CNS adverse increase the frequency of seizure activity. cessation of seizures. effects throughout therapy. These adverse effects are categorized as somnolence and fatigue (asthenia), coordination difficulties (ataxia, abnormal gait, or incoordination), and behavioral abnormalities (agitation, hostility, anxiety, apathy, emotional lability, depersonalization, depression) and usually occur during the first 4 weeks of therapy.
