Anti-epileptic drug used in the treatment of simple and complex partial seizures with and without generalization. It is also effective against absences, myoclonic jerks and primary generalized seizures. Levetiracetam is rapidly absorbed after oral ingestion with 100% bioavailability. Plasma levetiracetam concentrations increase linearly with dose and it is not bound to plasma proteins. The drug’s elimination is primarily renal, but some non-hepatic enzyme dependent metabolism occurs that produces pharmacologically inactive metabolites. Half life is 6-8 hours. The relationship between plasma concentration and clinical effect has not been determined. There are large inter-individual differences between the dose and plasma concentration. Several of the toxic signs of levetiracetam are similar to many of the other anticonvulsant drugs with which it will be prescribed.
Tube
04 (EP) – EDTA Plasma
ID
Tests&Tubes0209
Additional Information
Clinical indication for requesting: therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicity, checking compliance. ***Please note that brivaracetam interferes in this assay. This assay should not be used in patients undergoing a switch in drug therapy involving levetiracetam and brivaracetam.***
Turn around
Turnaround time stated by Cardiff: 7 days
Send to
Blood Sciences LGI
(Test referred to: Cardiff toxicology lab)
Contact
For further details please contact Leeds Pathology customer services: [email protected].
Advice
Full information on all referred tests can be found on the referred tests information database, EQMS reference BSF2REC17003.
Collection Con
Trough sample required.
Instructions to lab: centrifuge sample, separate and freeze plasma.
Minimum volume: 1mL plasma.
Sample REQ
Blood
Ref. Range Notes
Therapeutic range: 12 – 46 mg/L
Unit
mg/L