Keppra (KEP-ruh) is the brand name used in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some other countries for the seizure medicine levetiracetam (lev-eh-teer-ASS-eh-tam).

Forms
Keppra is sold in the United States by UCB Pharma, Inc. The name or appearance may be different in various countries, but the dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") usually will be the same. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Tablets

	250-mg (blue, oblong, scored) Tablets marked with “ucb” and “250” on one side.
	500-mg (yellow, oblong, scored) Tablets marked with “ucb” and “500” on one side.
	750-mg (orange, oblong, scored) Tablets marked with “ucb” and “750” on one side.
	1000-mg (white, oblong, scored) Tablets marked with “ucb” and “1000” on one side

Liquid solution

100 mg/mL (clear, colorless, grape-flavored) The liquid Keppra solution was approved by the FDA in 2003.

Liquid injection for intravenous administration

100 mg per 1 mL (milliliters). Approved by the FDA in 2006, this is an alternative for patients when oral administration is temporarily not feasible; it must be diluted prior to use as per the package insert and administered as a 15-minute intravenous infusion.

Keppra recently became available in generic (non-brand name) form as generic levetiracetam.

How to take and store Keppra
Follow your doctor's directions. Call if you have any questions. Usually, your doctor will tell you to start by taking one tablet—either 250 or 500 milligrams— two times each day. After a while, the doctor may gradually increase the dosage up to as much as 3000 milligrams per day to get better control of your seizures. To take that amount, you probably would take two 750-mg tablets, two times a day.

Most people swallow the tablets whole to avoid their bitter taste. But people who cannot swallow whole tablets can crush the tablet and mix it with food, or use the liquid form.

When measuring Keppra liquid, be sure to use a standard-size medicine spoon or dropper (not a regular teaspoon) to get the right amount every time.

It's OK to take Keppra either with food or without food, but it's a good idea to take it the same way every time. Taking Keppra with food does not change how much Keppra your body absorbs, but it does slow down the absorption a bit.

Be careful if the doctor writes a new prescription using a different kind of pill. For example, if you've been using 500-mg tablets and the new prescription is for 750-mg tablets, be sure you use the correct number. Don't automatically continue to use the same number of pills as before.

Don't take more than the doctor prescribes. If you think you've used one or two extra tablets or one extra spoonful of liquid, call your doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away, unless you have special instructions from the doctor.

Don't stop taking Keppra or change the amount you use without talking to the doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once can cause serious problems.

All forms of Keppra should be stored at room temperature, away from light and humidity. (Don't keep the pills in the bathroom if it's damp there.) Of course, keep all Keppra out of the reach of children.

What if I forget?
If you forget a dose of Keppra, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, delay that dose for a few hours, instead of taking two doses very close together. Then go back to the regular schedule. If you're not sure about what to do, call the doctor's office for more advice.

Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you.

Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!