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Pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam
Author(s) -
Radtke Rodney A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2001.00005.x
Subject(s) - levetiracetam , pharmacokinetics , pharmacology , medicine , partial seizures , anticonvulsant , epilepsy , psychiatry
Summary: Major considerations in the acceptance and impact of new antiepileptic drugs include their pharmacokinetics and their potential for interaction with other drugs. The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam, a newly approved add‐on antiepileptic agent for partial‐onset seizures in adults, has been evaluated in 27 phase I and II studies. Consistent findings in these studies include rapid and complete oral absorption, linear dose kinetics, a minimal degree of protein binding, and predominantly renal excretion. Because of the lack of hepatic metabolism and low protein binding, the risk of interaction with other drugs is considered low.