Levetiracetam Concentrate for infusion

IV Levetiracetam Protocol for Dogs

Protocol Summary

Indication:
– Status epilepticus
– Cluster seizures
– Refractory epilepsy
– Safe in liver-compromised dogs

Dosing Protocol:

Loading Dose (IV):
– Dose: 60 mg/kg IV over 5-15 minutes
– Purpose: Rapid seizure control and therapeutic plasma concentration
– References: Dewey et al., 2008; Volk et al., 2008

Maintenance Dose:

– Dose: 20 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (q8h)
– Can be switched to oral once stabilized
– No significant accumulation due to short half-life (3-4 hrs)

Time Duration and Repetition:

Acute Phase (Status/Clusters):
– First dose (60 mg/kg IV) as bolus during seizure
– If seizures persist after 10-15 min, consider second AED
– Re-dose IV LEV at 60 mg/kg every 6-8 hrs in severe cases

Maintenance Phase:

– Switch to oral levetiracetam at 20 mg/kg PO q8h once seizures controlled
– Suitable for long-term use with phenobarbital or KBr

IV Levetiracetam Protocol for Dogs

Special Notes:

– No hepatic metabolism – ideal for liver disease
– Renal excretion – adjust in renal disease
– Minimal drug interactions
– Onset of action: ~30 minutes IV

Scientific References:

1. Dewey CW et al. (2008). Levetiracetam for seizure management in dogs. J Vet Intern Med.
2. Volk HA et al. (2008). Levetiracetam in dogs with epilepsy. Vet Rec.
3. Moore SA (2013). Seizure emergencies in dogs and cats. J Vet Emerg Crit Care.