title: Levetiracetam.
abstract: Levetiracetam (LEV) is a novel antiepileptic drug (AED) which was discovered in early 1980s and soon, in 1999 FDA approved LEV for the management of partial onset seizure. In India, LEV tablet was approved in April 2005. It acts by binding to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which is present on synaptic vesicles and some neuroendocrine cells. Pharmacokinetics of LEV such as, less protein binding and lack of hepatic metabolism makes LEV less susceptible to drug interactions with other anticonvulsants. Evidence also suggests that LEV is much better than other AEDs in the way of broad therapeutic window, convenient dosing and less adverse effect. Besides the pharmacological effects, pharmacoeconomically also, LEV is a beneficial drug. All these valuable pharmacological and pharmacoeconomic aspect makes LEV an important option in management of various types of epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College & Hospital, Dhankawadi, Pune 411043, Maharashtra.
authors.forename: Kavita
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krishna
authors.forename: Asawari L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Raut
authors.forename: Kushal H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Gohel
authors.forename: Priti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dave
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam