title: Use of levetiracetam in special populations.
abstract: A subset of the 27 safety and pharmacokinetic studies of levetiracetam has been conducted in selected special populations: children, the elderly, and people with renal or hepatic impairment. The results of these studies indicate that higher doses need to be used for children (on a per-weight basis), and individuals with renal dysfunction require dosage modifications related to creatinine clearance. Individuals with hepatic impairment do not require modifications from standard doses. Little information is available on the effect of levetiracetam on the developing fetus, so cautious use during pregnancy is recommended until more information is available. Additional studies will refine the recommendations for use of levetiracetam in these special populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, USA. frenchj@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: French
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D017277:Drug Approval; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010889:Piracetam / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam