Keppra is the brand name used in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some other countries for levetiracetam.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Keppra in 1999 for adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in adult patients with epilepsy.

Forms
Keppra is marketed in the United States by UCB Pharma, Inc. 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
Keppra can be taken with or without food.

Most people prefer to swallow the tablets whole to avoid their bitter taste. People who are unable to swallow whole tablets can crush the tablet and mix it with food. Crushed tablets can also be given to patients who are fed by means of a tube.

The liquid solution of Keppra (approved by the FDA in July 2003) should eliminate the need for most tablet-crushing. Remind patients using the liquid form to use a standard measuring device for accurate dosing.

Keppra should be stored at room temperature, away from humidity and light.

Missed doses
In general, tell patients that if they forget a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, they should delay that dose for a few hours instead of taking two doses very close together.

Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.