This article describes Keppra’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Keppra. If you want to know more about Keppra, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Keppra is a brand-name medication that comes in several forms (see the table below). It’s available in a generic version called levetiracetam. This article describes dosages of Keppra.
Forms and strengths of Keppra
Keppra comes in the following forms and strengths. Strength is measured in milligrams (mg) and mg per milliliter (mg/mL).
| Form | How to take or receive | Strengths |
| oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 250 mg • 500 mg • 750 mg • 1,000 mg |
| extended-release (XR)* oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 500 mg • 750 mg |
| liquid solution | take by swallowing | • 100 mg/mL |
| injection | given by intravenous (IV) infusion† | • 500 mg/5 mL |
* “Extended release” means the drug releases slowly into your body over a long period of time.
† An IV infusion is an injection given into your vein over time.
Dosage of Keppra
This article describes the recommended dosages for Keppra. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Keppra without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Keppra
Keppra is prescribed to treat certain types of seizures that occur with epilepsy. These include:
- focal onset seizures in adults and children ages 1 month and older
- myoclonic seizures in adults and children ages 12 years and older
- primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children ages 6 years and older
The form of Keppra your doctor prescribes will depend on the type of seizure(s) you have and your age.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Keppra. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Keppra that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for focal onset seizures
The following table contains the recommended dosages of Keppra oral tablet, liquid solution, and injection for focal onset seizures. Children who weigh 20 kilograms (kg), about 44 pounds (lb), or less will likely be prescribed Keppra liquid solution. Children who weigh more than 20 kg may be prescribed Keppra oral tablet or liquid solution. Dosages for children ages 16 years and younger are in milligrams (mg) per kg of body weight (mg/kg).
| Age | Starting dosage | Recommended dosage* | Maximum dosage |
| 1–6 months | 7 mg/kg twice per day | 21 mg/kg twice per day | determined by your doctor |
| 6 months to 4 years | 10 mg/kg twice per day | 25 mg/kg twice per day | determined by your doctor |
| 4–16 years | 10 mg/kg twice per day | 30 mg/kg twice per day | 3,000 mg per day |
| 16 years and older | 500 mg twice per day | determined by your doctor | 3,000 mg per day |
* The recommended dosage is what you’ll take throughout treatment, often after a starting dosage.
Doctors may also prescribe the extended-release (XR)† oral tablet form of Keppra for focal onset seizures in adults and children ages 12 years and older. The starting and maximum dosages of Keppra XR oral tablet for focal onset seizures are:
- Starting dosage: 1,000 mg once per day
- Maximum dosage: 3,000 mg per day
† The XR oral tablet releases the drug slowly into your body over a long period of time.
Dosage for myoclonic seizures
The recommended dosage of Keppra oral tablet, liquid solution, and injection for myoclonic seizures is:
- Starting dosage: 500 mg twice per day
- Recommended dosage: 1,500 mg twice per day
- Maximum dosage: 3,000 mg per day
Dosage for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures
The following table contains the recommended dosages of Keppra oral tablet, liquid solution, and injection for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Children who weigh 20 kilograms (kg) or less will likely be prescribed Keppra liquid solution. Children who weigh more than 20 kg may be prescribed Keppra oral tablet or liquid solution. Dosages for children ages 6–16 years are in milligrams (mg) per kg of body weight (mg/kg).
| Age | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage* |
| 6–16 years | 10 mg/kg twice per day | 30 mg/kg twice per day |
| 16 years and older | 500 mg twice per day | 1,500 mg twice per day |
* After your starting dosage, you’ll usually take a maintenance dosage throughout your treatment.
Dosages of Keppra in children
Your child’s doctor will prescribe a dosage of Keppra specifically for your child. The dosage will depend on your child’s age and weight, as described in the tables above.
Dosage adjustments for Keppra
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Keppra based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- your weight
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Keppra
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Keppra. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Keppra and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about Keppra and its dosage.
Is there a loading dose for the injection form of Keppra?
No. Doctors typically don’t prescribe a loading dose for Keppra injection. (A loading dose is a higher dose of medication given at the beginning of treatment so the drug can start working more quickly.) In general, doctors will prescribe a starting dosage, which will be increased every two weeks until the maintenance dosage is reached.
If you have questions about your Keppra dosage, talk with your doctor.
Is Keppra taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Keppra as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Keppra, talk with your doctor.
How Keppra is taken
You’ll swallow Keppra oral tablet, liquid solution, or extended-release (ER) oral tablet once or twice per day, as your doctor prescribes. You can take the drug with or without food.
You’ll receive Keppra injections as an intravenous (IV) infusion from your doctor or another healthcare professional.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Do not crush, chew, or break Keppra oral tablet or extended-release (XR) oral tablet. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, read this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Keppra coupon
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