Open AccessLevetiracetam in Neonatal Seizures: A Review
Author(s) -
Allison L. Mruk,
Karen Garlitz,
Noelle R. Leung
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.456
H-Index - 15
eISSN - 2331-348X
pISSN - 1551-6776
DOI - 10.5863/1551-6776-20.2.76
Subject(s) - levetiracetam , phenobarbital , medicine , phenytoin , neonatal seizure , pharmacokinetics , epilepsy , anesthesia , pediatrics , piracetam , pharmacology , psychiatry
Phenobarbital and phenytoin have been the mainstay treatment modalities for neonatal seizures. Studies have revealed these agents control seizures in less than half of neonates, can cause neuronal apoptosis in vitro, and have highly variable pharmacokinetics in neonates. In contrast, there have been no reports of levetiracetam causing these neurotoxic effects. Due to its favorable side effect and pharmacokinetic profiles and positive efficacy outcomes in neonatal studies to date, there is great interest in the use of levetiracetam for neonatal seizures. This article reviews the literature regarding the safety of levetiracetam in neonates and its efficacy in neonatal seizures.