Product Details-
| Composition | Levetiracetam – 250 mg |
|---|---|
| Dosage | TABLET |
| Packing Size | 10×10 |
| Packing | Alu-Alu |
Levicip 250 is a pharmaceutical formulation containing 250 mg of levetiracetam, a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) renowned for its efficacy in controlling various seizure types. Widely prescribed by neurologists globally, Levicip 250 offers a reliable treatment option for patients suffering from epilepsy, ensuring improved quality of life through effective seizure reduction and a favorable safety profile.
This comprehensive guide delves into the detailed composition, mechanism of action, clinical indications, dosing protocols, efficacy, safety profile, side effect management, drug interactions, and real-world patient experiences with Levicip 250. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, understanding Levicip 250’s properties will help optimize epilepsy management.
Levicip 250 contains 250 mg of the active ingredient levetiracetam per tablet. Levetiracetam is a pyrrolidone derivative distinct from other antiepileptic medications, offering unique mechanisms that contribute to its broad efficacy and tolerability.
The tablets are formulated for oral administration, ensuring high bioavailability and rapid absorption. Excipients are selected to promote stability and patient compliance.
Levetiracetam’s antiepileptic action stems primarily from its binding to the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain. This binding modulates neurotransmitter release and reduces neuronal excitability without affecting normal neuronal transmission, thus minimizing cognitive and behavioral side effects.
Key features of levetiracetam’s mechanism include:
Inhibition of excessive neuronal firing responsible for seizures
Modulation of calcium ion channels influencing neurotransmitter release
Neuroprotective properties that may protect neurons from seizure-induced damage
This targeted mechanism enables broad-spectrum efficacy against various seizure types with a good safety margin.
Levicip 250 is indicated for:
Partial Onset Seizures: As monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in adults and children over 4 years.
Myoclonic Seizures: Particularly in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures: For both idiopathic and symptomatic generalized epilepsy.
Its versatile profile makes Levicip 250 suitable for diverse epilepsy syndromes.
Dosing guidelines for Levicip 250 include:
Starting Dose: Often initiated at 250 mg twice daily in adults, with adjustment based on clinical response.
Titration: Dose may be increased weekly by 500 mg/day increments to achieve optimal seizure control, usually within 1000-3000 mg/day.
Pediatric Dosing: Adjusted based on body weight and age.
Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments required due to renal clearance of levetiracetam.
Consistent dosing schedules and adherence are critical to maintain therapeutic plasma levels.
Patients treated with Levicip 250 often experience:
Significant reduction in seizure frequency and severity
Improved daily functioning and independence
Better cognitive and behavioral outcomes compared to older AEDs
Favorable drug interaction profile enabling polytherapy
Rapid onset of action improving early seizure control
These benefits contribute to enhanced quality of life and reduced epilepsy burden.
Levicip 250 is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include:
Somnolence and fatigue
Dizziness and coordination difficulties
Headache
Behavioral changes such as irritability or mood swings
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea
Most side effects are mild and transient; dose adjustments or supportive care can help.
Serious but rare adverse reactions include:
Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, angioedema) requiring immediate discontinuation
Suicidal ideation or behavior necessitating close psychiatric monitoring
Severe behavioral or mood changes
Severe allergic reactions or multi-organ hypersensitivity (rare)
Regular monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers mitigate these risks.
Levicip 250 is contraindicated in patients with:
Known hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or formulation excipients
Severe renal impairment without dose adjustments
Precautions are advised in:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women (use only if benefits justify risks)
Patients with history of psychiatric illness or suicidal behavior
Elderly patients, due to altered pharmacokinetics
Levetiracetam has a low potential for drug interactions. However, caution is warranted when co-administered with:
Other antiepileptic drugs, which may require dose adjustments
Central nervous system depressants that may enhance sedation
Oral contraceptives (levetiracetam does not reduce their efficacy, unlike some AEDs)
Disclose all medications to healthcare providers for safe therapy.
Routine monitoring includes:
Regular assessment of seizure frequency and severity
Monitoring for side effects and behavioral changes
Renal function tests, especially in elderly or impaired patients
Therapeutic drug monitoring in select cases
Consistent follow-up supports optimized therapy and patient safety.
Patients should adopt:
Healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise
Avoidance of known seizure triggers such as stress, alcohol, and sleep deprivation
Use of medical alert identification and adherence to medication schedules
Psychological support and counseling when needed
These measures enhance overall treatment success.
Store Levicip 250 tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ideally between 15°C and 30°C. Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of unused medication responsibly.
How soon does Levicip 250 start working?
Some seizure reduction may be seen within the first week; full effects typically develop over several weeks.
Can I stop taking Levicip 250 suddenly?
No, abrupt discontinuation can trigger seizures. Consult your doctor for gradual tapering.
Is Levicip 250 safe during pregnancy?
Use only if benefits outweigh risks; discuss options with your healthcare provider.
Does Levicip 250 cause weight gain?
Weight changes are uncommon but possible; monitor diet and exercise.
Can I drink alcohol while on Levicip 250?
Alcohol may increase sedation and seizure risk; avoid or limit consumption.
Levicip 250 offers a potent, well-tolerated treatment for a variety of seizure disorders, leveraging levetiracetam’s unique mechanism and broad spectrum of action. Its favorable safety and interaction profile, combined with effective seizure control, make it a mainstay in modern epilepsy management.
Under proper medical supervision and with adherence to prescribed therapy, Levicip 250 empowers patients to achieve better seizure control, enhanced cognitive function, and improved quality of life.
