DRUG STUDY

Drug Data Classification Mechanism of Action Indication Contraindications Adverse Reaction Nursing Responsibilities
 Generic Name Therapeutic: Appears to inhibit burst  General Indications  CNS: SUICIDAL  Before
levetiracetam anticonvulsants firing without affecting  Hypersensitivity; THOUGHTS, dizziness, 1. Asses if patient had any
normal neuronal Partial onset seizures  Lactation: Lactation. fatigue/somnolence, suicidal attempts before.
 Trade Name Pharmacologic excitability and may (adjunct). Primary weakness, behavioral 2. Assess patient’s mental
Keppra pyrrolidines selectively prevent generalized tonic-clonic  Precaution abnormalities. status.
hypersynchronization of seizures (adjunct)  All patients (may  Neuro: coordination 3. Assess duration, location
epileptiform burst firing and (immediaterelease and increase risk of suicidal difficulties (adults only). and characteristics of
 Patients Dose Pregnancy Category propagation of seizure injection only). thoughts/behaviors); seizure activity.
C activity. Myoclonic seizures in Renal impairment (dose 4. Confirm medication from
patients with juvenile reduction recommended doctor’s orders.
 Pharmacokinetics myoclonic epilepsy if CCr ≤80 mL/min); Pedi: 5. Obtain prescribed dose.
 Minimum Dose A: Rapidly and completely (adjunct)(immediate- Children <4 yr (safety not
10mg/day absorbed following oral release and injection established); <16 yr (for  During
administration. only). extended-release and
injection); 1. Confirm patient’s
 Maximum Dose D: Unknown  Patients Actual  OB: Use only during identity.
3000mg/day Indication pregnancy if potential 2. Administer medication
M&E: 66% excreted benefit justifies potential whole.
 Contents unchanged by the kidneys; risk to fetus; 3. Do not crush, break or
levetiracetam some metabolism by the  Geri:decreae renal chew.
liver (metabolites inactive). elimination (dose 4. Practice aseptic
 Availability and reduction may be technique.
color  Onset necessary). 5. May administer
 Tablets: 250 mg, rapid  .Drug interaction medication without
500 mg, 750 mg, -drug to drug regard to meals.
100 mg.  Peak
 Extended-release 1-1.5hrs.  None noted  After
tablets: 500 mg,
750mg.  Duration 1. Observe proper
 Oral solution 12 hrs. documentation of
(grape-flavored): administered
100 mg/mL.  Drug Half Life medication.
7.1hrs. 2. Ensure that patient has
 Routes of fully swallowed oral form
administration of medication.
PO 3. Observe patient’s
behavior closely for
atleast 15-30 minutes
after administration.
4. Instruct patient to slowly
move to prevent
dizziness.
5. Instruct patient to rest to
decrease risk of falls.
Source:
Deglin, J. et. Al. 2009. Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses. 12 th ed. F.A. Davis. pp 782-784