tcsc1854 Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam(UCB L059) is a novel anticonvulsant with antihyperalgesic efficacy in inflammatory pain.

Target: Calcium Channel

Levetiracetam is used to control some types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to use it. The exact mechanism for levetiracetam is unknown. However, the drug binds to a synaptic vesicle protein, SV2A, which is believed to impede nerve conduction across synapses [1].

Levetiracetam (10-200 mg/kg), ibuprofen (12.5-100 mg/kg), celecoxib (3.75-30 mg/kg), paracetamol (50-200 mg/kg), caffeine (15-100 mg/kg), and 2-drug combinations of levetiracetam with analgesics/caffeine produced a significant, dose-dependent reduction of inflammatory hyperalgesia. Isobolographic analysis revealed that levetiracetam exerts a synergistic interaction with analgesics, with approximately 7-, 9-, and 11-fold reduction of doses of both drugs in combination of levetiracetam with paracetamol, celecoxib, and ibuprofen, respectively. Analysis of the log dose-response curves for levetiracetam (1-50 mg/kg) in the presence of caffeine (10 mg/kg) and levetiracetam applied alone also revealed a synergistic interaction. Levetiracetam's ED50 in the presence of caffeine was reduced approximately 11-fold [2].

Clinical indications: Epilepsy; Social phobia

FDA Approved Date: November 2008

Toxicity: depression; hallucinations; suicidal thoughts