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Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Levetiracetam may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Levetiracetam

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

How to take it

Levetiracetam Strides oral solution 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Levetiracetam Strides oral solution 6. Contents of the pack and other information

Children and adolescents

  • Levetiracetam Strides oral solution is not indicated in children and adolescents below 16 years on it's own (monotherapy)

ο Turn the bottle the right way up (figure 6A). Remove the syringe from the adaptor (figure 6B).

  • weakness, feel light-headed or dizzy or have difficulty breathing, as these may be signs of a serious allergic (anaphylactic) reaction;
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat (Quincke's oedema);
  • flu like symptoms and a rash on the face followed by an extended rash with a high temperature, increased levels of liver enzymes seen in blood tests and an increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophilia) and enlarged lymph nodes and the involvement of other body organs (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms [DRESS]);
  • symptoms such as low urine volume, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and swelling in the legs, ankles or feet, as this may be a sign of sudden decrease of kidney function;
  • a skin rash which may form blisters and look like small targets (central dark spots surrounded by a paler area, with a dark ring around the edge) (erythema multiforme);
  • a widespread rash with blisters and peeling skin, particularly around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals (Stevens-Johnson syndrome);
  • a more severe form of rash causing skin peeling in more than 30% of the body surface (toxic epidermal necrolysis);
  • signs of serious mental changes or if someone around you notices signs of confusion, somnolence (sleepiness), amnesia (loss of memory), memory impairment (forgetfulness), abnormal behaviour or other neurological signs including involuntary or uncontrolled movements. These could be symptoms of an encephalopathy.
  • skin rash, which may form blisters and looks like small targets (central dark spots surrounded by a paler area, with a dark ring around the edge) (erythema multiforme), a widespread rash with blisters and peeling skin, particularly around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals (Stevens- Johnson syndrome), and a more severe form causing skin peeling in more than 30% of the body surface (toxic epidermal necrolysis);
  • rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue) and associated blood creatine phosphokinase increase. Prevalence is significantly higher in Japanese patients when compared to non-Japanese patients;
  • limp or difficulty walking.
  • Evidence also suggests a possible predisposition of the Japanese population to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10000 people
  • repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations or the urge to do something over and over again Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

The most frequently reported adverse reactions were nasopharyngitis, somnolence (sleepiness), headache, fatigue and dizziness. At the beginning of the treatment or at dose increase side effects like sleepiness, tiredness and dizziness may be more common. ο Empty the contents of the syringe in a glass of water or baby's bottle by pushing the piston to the bottom of the syringe (figure 7).

ο Drink the whole contents of the glass/baby's bottle. ο Close the bottle with the plastic screw cap. ο Wash the syringe with water only (figure 8).

Duration of treatment:

  • Levetiracetam Strides oral solution is used as a chronic treatment. You should continue Levetiracetam Strides oral solution treatment for as long as your doctor has told you.
  • Do not stop your treatment without your doctor's advice as this could increase your seizures.

If you forget to take Levetiracetam Strides oral solution: Contact your doctor if you have missed one or more doses. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Levetiracetam Strides oral solution: If stopping treatment, Levetiracetam Strides oral solution should be discontinued gradually to avoid an increase of seizures. Should your doctor decide to stop your Levetiracetam Strides oral solution treatment, he/ she will instruct you about the gradual withdrawal of Levetiracetam Strides oral solution. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Tell your doctor immediately, or go to your nearest emergency department, if you experience:

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the cardboard box and bottle after EXP: The expiry date refers to the last day of the month. Do not use after 7 months of first opening the bottle. Store in the original bottle, in order to protect from light. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

  • anorexia (loss of appetite);
  • depression, hostility or aggression, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness or irritability;
  • convulsion, balance disorder (equilibrium disorder), dizziness (sensation of unsteadiness), lethargy (lack of energy and enthusiasm), tremor (involuntary trembling);
  • vertigo (sensation of rotation);
  • cough;
  • abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspepsia (indigestion), vomiting, nausea;
  • rash;
  • asthenia/fatigue (tiredness).

How to store it

Levetiracetam Strides oral solution

These effects should however decrease over time. Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people

  • nasopharyngitis;
  • somnolence (sleepiness), headache.

Manufacturer Beltapharm S.p.A Via Stelvio 66, Cusano Milanino (MI) – 20095 Italy Other formats: To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 Please be ready to give the following information: Product name Levetiracetam Strides 100mg/ml Oral Solution

Reference number PL 13606/0222

This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. This leaflet was last revised in 12/2025.

Dimension: 380 x 310 mm

1053218

ο Fill the syringe with a small amount of solution by pulling the piston down (figure 5A), then push the piston upward in order to remove any possible bubble (figure 5B). Pull the piston down to the graduation mark corresponding to the quantity in milliliters (ml) prescribed by your doctor (figure 5C).

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Font: Times New Roman Font Size: 9 pt No. of Columns: 3 Columns

NON PRINTING COLOR

Levetiracetam 100 mg/ml oral solution SPUK

Pack Insert

380 x 310 mm 1053218 BLACK

PC-TSG/2025/078 – Record Number: 479093

—

1051586 1 11.0

Front & Back Printing. To be supplied in folded size of 155 x 48mm -Brand name facing front side after final fold. 40 GSM Paper. Printing clarity to be clear & sharp. NA

Back Side

Contents of the pack and other information

What Levetiracetam Strides oral solution contains − The active substance is called levetiracetam. Each ml contains 100 mg of levetiracetam. − The other ingredients are: sodium citrate (E331), citric acid monohydrate (E330), methyl para-hydroxybenzoate (E218), ammonium glycyrrhizate (E958), glycerol (E422), maltitol liquid (E965), acesulfame potassium (E950), flavour natural white grape, purified water.

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

  • decreased number of blood platelets, decreased number of white blood cells;
  • weight decrease, weight increase;
  • suicide attempt and suicidal ideation, mental disorder, abnormal behaviour, hallucination, anger, confusion, panic attack, emotional instability/mood swings, agitation;
  • amnesia (loss of memory), memory impairment (forgetfulness), abnormal coordination/ ataxia (impaired coordinated movements), paraesthesia (tingling), disturbance in attention (loss of concentration);
  • diplopia (double vision), vision blurred;
  • elevated/abnormal values in a liver function test;
  • hair loss, eczema, pruritus;
  • muscle weakness, myalgia (muscle pain);
  • injury.

What Levetiracetam Strides oral solution looks like and contents of the pack Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution is a clear liquid.

  • Orange colour labelled 300 ml glass bottle of Levetiracetam Strides oral solution (for children aged 4 years and above, adolescents and adults) is packed in a cardboard box containing a 10 ml oral syringe (graduated every 0.25 ml) and an adaptor for the syringe.
  • Green colour labelled 150 ml glass bottle of Levetiracetam Strides oral solution (for infants and young children aged from 6 months to less than 4 years) is packed in a cardboard box containing a 3 ml oral syringe (graduated every 0.1 ml) and an adaptor for the syringe.
  • Blue colour labelled 150 ml glass bottle of Levetiracetam Strides oral solution (for infants aged 1 month to less than 6 months) is packed in a cardboard box containing a 1 ml oral syringe (graduated every 0.05 ml) and an adaptor for the syringe. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Strides Pharma UK Ltd. Unit 4, The Metro Centre, Dwight Road, Watford, WD18 9SS, United Kingdom

Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people

  • infection;
  • decreased number of all blood cell types;
  • severe allergic reactions (DRESS, anaphylactic reaction [severe and important allergic reaction], Quincke's oedema [swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat]);
  • decreased blood sodium concentration;
  • suicide, personality disorders (behavioural problems), thinking abnormal (slow thinking, unable to concentrate);
  • delirium
  • encephalopathy (see sub-section 'Tell your doctor immediately' for a detailed description of symptoms);
  • seizures may become worse or happen more often;
  • uncontrollable muscle spasms affecting the head, torso and limbs, difficulty in controlling movements, hyperkinesia (hyperactivity);
  • change of the heart rhythm (Electrocardiogram);
  • pancreatitis;
  • liver failure, hepatitis;
  • sudden decrease in kidney function;

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If you take more Levetiracetam Strides oral solution than you should: The possible side effects of an overdose of Levetiracetam Strides oral solution are sleepiness, agitation, aggression, decrease of alertness, inhibition of breathing and coma. Contact your doctor if you took more Levetiracetam Strides oral solution than you should. Your doctor will establish the best possible treatment of overdose.

Frequently asked questions about Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution

How do I take Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution?

Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution comes as oral solution containing 100mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution?

The active substance in Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution is levetiracetam.

Are there equivalent medicines to Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Desitrend 100 mg/ml Oral Solution, Keppra 100 mg/ml oral solution, Levetiracetam Amarox 100 mg/ml oral solution. In total there are 5 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Levetiracetam (45 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Levetiracetam Strides oral solution is indicated as monotherapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in adults and adolescents from 16 years of age with newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Levetiracetam Strides oral solution is indicated as adjunctive therapy

• In the treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in adults, adolescents, children and infants from 1 month of age with epilepsy.

• In the treatment of myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy.

• In the treatment of primary generalised tonic‑clonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Partial onset seizures

The recommended dosing for monotherapy (from 16 years of age) and adjunctive therapy is the same; as outlined below.

All indications

Adults (≥18 years) and adolescents (12 to 17 years) weighing 50 kg or more

The initial therapeutic dose is 500 mg twice daily. This dose can be started on the first day of treatment. However, a lower initial dose of 250 mg twice daily may be given based on physician assessment of seizure reduction versus potential side effects. This can be increased to 500 mg twice daily after two weeks.

Depending upon the clinical response and tolerability, the daily dose can be increased up to 1500 mg twice daily. Dose changes can be made in 250 mg or 500 mg twice daily increases or decreases every two to four weeks.

Adolescents (12 to 17 years) weighing below 50 kg and children from 1 month of age

The physician should prescribe the most appropriate pharmaceutical form, presentation and strength according to weight, age and dose. Refer to Paediatric population section for dosing adjustments based on weight.

Discontinuation

If levetiracetam has to be discontinued it is recommended to withdraw it gradually (e.g. in adults and adolescents weighing more than 50 kg: 500 mg decreases twice daily every two to four weeks; in infants older than 6 months, children and adolescents weighing less than 50 kg: dose decrease should not exceed 10 mg/kg twice daily every two weeks; in infants (less than 6 months): dose decrease should not exceed 7 mg/ kg twice daily every two weeks).

Special populations

Elderly (65 years and older)

Adjustment of the dose is recommended in elderly patients with compromised renal function (see “Renal impairment” below).

Renal impairment

The daily dose must be individualised according to renal function.

For adult patients, refer to the following table and adjust the dose as indicated. To use this dosing table, an estimate of the patient's creatinine clearance (CLcr) in ml/min is needed. The CLcr in ml/min may be estimated from serum creatinine (mg/dl) determination, for adults and adolescents weighing 50 kg or more, the following formula:

Then CLcr is adjusted for body surface area (BSA) as follows:

Dosing adjustment for adult and adolescent patients weighing more than 50 kg with impaired renal function:

Group

Creatinine clearance (ml/min/1.73m2)

Dose and frequency

Normal

≥ 80

500 to 1500 mg twice daily

Mild

50-79

500 to 1000 mg twice daily

Moderate

30-49

250 to 750 mg twice daily

Severe

< 30

250 to 500 mg twice daily

End-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis(1)

-

500 to 1000 mg once daily (2)

(1) A 750 mg loading dose is recommended on the first day of treatment with levetiracetam.

(2) Following dialysis, a 250 to 500 mg supplemental dose is recommended.

For children with renal impairment, levetiracetam dose needs to be adjusted based on the renal function as levetiracetam clearance is related to renal function. This recommendation is based on a study in adult renally impaired patients.

The CLcr in ml/min/1.73 m2 may be estimated from serum creatinine (mg/dl) determination, for young adolescents, children and infants, using the following formula (Schwartz formula):

ks= 0.45 in Term infants to 1 year old; ks= 0.55 in Children to less than 13 years and in adolescent female; ks= 0.7 in adolescent male

Dosing adjustment for infants, children and adolescent patients weighing less than 50 kg with impaired renal function:

Group

Creatinine clearance (ml/min/1.73m2)

Dose and frequency (1)

Infants 1 to less than 6 months

Infants 6 to 23 months, children and adolescents weighing less than 50 kg

Normal

≥ 80

7 to 21 mg/kg

(0.07 to 0.21 ml/kg) twice daily

10 to 30 mg/kg

(0.10 to 0.30 ml/kg) twice daily

Mild

50-79

7 to 14 mg/kg

(0.07 to 0.14 ml/kg) twice daily

10 to 20 mg/kg

(0.10 to 0.20 ml/kg) twice daily

Moderate

30-49

3.5 to 10.5 mg/kg

(0.035 to 0.105 ml/kg) twice daily

5 to 15 mg/kg

(0.05 to 0.15 ml/kg) twice daily

Severe

< 30

3.5 to 7 mg/kg

(0.035 to 0.07 ml/kg) twice daily

5 to 10 mg/kg

(0.05 to 0.10 ml/kg) twice daily

End-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis

-

7 to 14 mg/kg

(0.07 to 0.14 ml/kg) once daily (2) (4)

10 to 20 mg/kg

(0.10 to 0.20 ml/kg) once daily (3) (5)

(1) Levetiracetam Strides oral solution should be used for doses under 250 mg, for doses not multiple of 250 mg when dosing recommendation is not achievable by taking multiple tablets and for patients unable to swallow tablets.

(2) A 10.5 mg/kg (0.105 ml/kg) loading dose is recommended on the first day of treatment with levetiracetam.

(3) A 15 mg/kg (0.15 ml/kg) loading dose is recommended on the first day of treatment with levetiracetam.

(4) Following dialysis, a 3.5 to 7 mg/kg (0.035 to 0.07 ml/kg) supplemental dose is recommended.

(5) Following dialysis, a 5 to 10 mg/kg (0.05 to 0.10 ml/kg) supplemental dose is recommended.

Hepatic impairment

No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, the creatinine clearance may underestimate the renal insufficiency. Therefore a 50 % reduction of the daily maintenance dose is recommended when the creatinine clearance is < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2.

Paediatric population

The physician should prescribe the most appropriate pharmaceutical form, presentation and strength according to age, weight and dose.

Levetiracetam Strides oral solution is the preferred formulation for use in infants and children under the age of 6 years. In addition, the available dose strengths of the tablets are not appropriate for initial treatment in children weighing less than 25 kg, for patients unable to swallow tablets or for the administration of doses below 250 mg. In all of the above cases Levetiracetam Strides oral solution should be used.

Monotherapy

The safety and efficacy of Levetiracetam Strides oral solution in children and adolescents below 16 years as monotherapy treatment have not been established.

No data are available.

Adolescents (16 and 17 years of age) weighing 50 kg or more with partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation with newly diagnosed epilepsy

Please refer to the above section on Adults (≥18 years) and adolescents (12 to 17 years) weighing 50 kg or more.

Add-on therapy for infants aged 6 to 23 months, children (2 to 11 years) and adolescents (12 to 17 years) weighing less than 50 kg.

The initial therapeutic dose is 10 mg/kg twice daily.

Depending upon the clinical response and tolerability, the dose can be increased by 10 mg/kg twice daily every 2 weeks up to 30 mg/kg twice daily. Dose changes should not exceed increases or decreases of 10 mg/kg twice daily every two weeks. The lowest effective dose should be used for all indications.

Dose in children 50 kg or greater is the same as in adults for all indications.

Please refer to the above section on Adults (≥18 years) and adolescents (12 to 17 years) weighing 50 kg or more for all indications.

Dose recommendations for infants from 6 months of age, children and adolescents:

Weight

Starting dose: 10 mg/kg twice daily

Maximum dose: 30 mg/kg twice daily

6 kg (1)

60 mg (0.6 ml) twice daily

180 mg (1.8 ml) twice daily

10 kg (1)

100 mg (1 ml) twice daily

300 mg (3 ml) twice daily

15 kg (1)

150 mg (1.5 ml) twice daily

450 mg (4.5 ml) twice daily

20 kg (1)

200 mg (2 ml) twice daily

600 mg (6 ml) twice daily

25 kg

250 mg twice daily

750 mg twice daily

From 50 kg (2)

500 mg twice daily

1500 mg twice daily

(1) Children 25 kg or less should preferably start the treatment with Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution.

(2) Dose in children and adolescents 50 kg or more is the same as in adults.

Add-on therapy for infants aged from 1 month to less than 6 months

The initial therapeutic dose is 7 mg/kg twice daily.

Depending upon the clinical response and tolerability, the dose can be increased by 7 mg/kg twice daily every 2 weeks up to recommended dose of 21 mg/kg twice daily. Dose changes should not exceed increases or decreases of 7 mg/kg twice daily every two weeks. The lowest effective dose should be used.

Infants should start the treatment with Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution.

Dose recommendations for infants aged from 1 month to less than 6 months:

Weight

Starting dose: 7 mg/kg twice daily

Maximum dose: 21 mg/kg twice daily

4 kg

28 mg (0.3 ml) twice daily

84 mg (0.85 ml) twice daily

5 kg

35 mg (0.35 ml) twice daily

105 mg (1.05 ml) twice daily

7 kg

49 mg (0.5 ml) twice daily

147 mg (1.5 ml) twice daily

Three presentations are available:

- A 300 ml bottle with a 10 ml oral syringe (delivering up to 1000 mg levetiracetam) graduated every 0.25 ml (corresponding to 25 mg).

This presentation should be prescribed for children aged 4 years and older, adolescents and adults.

- A 150 ml bottle with a 3 ml oral syringe (delivering up to 300 mg levetiracetam) graduated every 0.1 ml (corresponding to 10 mg).

In order to ensure the accuracy of the dosing, this presentation should be prescribed for infants and young children aged from 6 months to less than 4 years.

- A 150 ml bottle with a 1 ml oral syringe (delivering up to 100 mg levetiracetam) graduated every 0.05 ml (corresponding to 5 mg).

In order to ensure the accuracy of the dosing, this presentation should be prescribed for infants aged 1 month to less than 6 months.

Method of administration

The oral solution may be diluted in a glass of water or baby's bottle and may be taken with or without food. After oral administration the bitter taste of levetiracetam may be experienced.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or other pyrrolidone derivatives or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Renal impairment

The administration of levetiracetam to patients with renal impairment may require dose adjustment. In patients with severely impaired hepatic function, assessment of renal function is recommended before dose selection (see section 4.2).

Acute kidney injury

The use of levetiracetam has been very rarely associated with acute kidney injury, with a time to onset ranging from a few days to several months.

Blood cell counts

Rare cases of decreased blood cell counts (neutropenia, agranulocytosis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia) have been described in association with levetiracetam administration, generally at the beginning of the treatment. Complete blood cell counts are advised in patients experiencing important weakness, pyrexia, recurrent infections or coagulation disorders (section 4.8).

Suicide

Suicide, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation and behaviour have been reported in patients treated with anti-epileptic agents (including levetiracetam). A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of anti-epileptic medicinal products has shown a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. The mechanism of this risk is not known.

Therefore, patients should be monitored for signs of depression and/or suicidal ideation and behaviours and appropriate treatment should be considered. Patients (and caregivers of patients) should be advised to seek medical advice should signs of depression and/or suicidal ideation or behaviour emerge.

Abnormal and aggressive behaviours

Levetiracetam may cause psychotic symptoms and behavioural abnormalities including irritability and aggressiveness. Patients treated with levetiracetam should be monitored for developing psychiatric signs suggesting important mood and/or personality changes. If such behaviours are noticed, treatment adaptation or gradual discontinuation should be considered. If discontinuation is considered, please refer to section 4.2.

Worsening of seizures

As with other types of antiepileptic drugs, levetiracetam may rarely exacerbate seizure frequency or severity. This paradoxical effect was mostly reported within the first month after levetiracetam initiation or increase of the dose, and was reversible upon drug discontinuation or dose decrease. Patients should be advised to consult their physician immediately in case of aggravation of epilepsy. Lack of efficacy or seizure worsening has been reported in patients with epilepsy associated with sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 8 (SCN8A) mutations.

Electrocardiogram QT interval prolongation

Rare cases of ECG QT interval prolongation have been observed during the post-marketing surveillance. Levetiracetam should be used with caution in patients with QTc-interval prolongation, in patients concomitantly treated with drugs affecting the QTc-interval, or in patients with relevant pre-existing cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbances.

Paediatric population

Available data in children did not suggest impact on growth and puberty. However, long term effects on learning, intelligence, growth, endocrine function, puberty and childbearing potential in children remain unknown.

Excipients

Levetiracetam Strides 100 mg/ml oral solution contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

It also contains maltitol liquid; patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance should not take this medicinal product.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Antiepileptic medicinal products

Pre-marketing data from clinical studies conducted in adults indicate that levetiracetam did not influence the serum concentrations of existing antiepileptic medicinal products (phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenobarbital, lamotrigine, gabapentin and primidone) and that these antiepileptic medicinal products did not influence the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam.

As in adults, there is no evidence of clinically significant medicinal product interactions in paediatric patients receiving up to 60 mg/kg/day levetiracetam.

A retrospective assessment of pharmacokinetic interactions in children and adolescents with epilepsy (4 to 17 years) confirmed that adjunctive therapy with orally administered levetiracetam did not influence the steady-state serum concentrations of concomitantly administered carbamazepine and valproate. However, data suggested a 20 % higher levetiracetam clearance in children taking enzyme inducing antiepileptic medicinal products. Dose adjustment is not required.

Probenecid

Probenecid (500 mg four times daily), a renal tubular secretion blocking agent, has been shown to inhibit the renal clearance of the primary metabolite, but not of levetiracetam. Nevertheless, the concentration of this metabolite remains low.

Methotrexate

Concomitant administration of levetiracetam and methotrexate has been reported to decrease methotrexate clearance, resulting in increased/prolonged blood methotrexate concentration to potentially toxic levels. Blood methotrexate and levetiracetam levels should be carefully monitored in patients treated concomitantly with the two drugs.

Oral contraceptives and other pharmacokinetics interactions

Levetiracetam 1000 mg daily did not influence the pharmacokinetics of oral contraceptives (ethinyl-estradiol and levonorgestrel); endocrine parameters (luteinizing hormone and progesterone) were not modified. Levetiracetam 2000 mg daily did not influence the pharmacokinetics of digoxin and warfarin; prothrombin times were not modified. Co- administration with digoxin, oral contraceptives and warfarin did not influence the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam.

Laxatives

There have been isolated reports of decreased levetiracetam efficacy when the osmotic laxative macrogol has been concomitantly administered with oral levetiracetam. Therefore, macrogol should not be taken orally for one hour before and for one hour after taking levetiracetam.

Food and alcohol

The extent of absorption of levetiracetam was not altered by food, but the rate of absorption was slightly reduced.

No data on the interaction of levetiracetam with alcohol are available.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of child bearing potential

Specialist advice should be given to women who are of childbearing potential. Treatment with levetiracetam should be reviewed when a woman is planning to become pregnant. As with all antiepileptic medicines, sudden discontinuation of levetiracetam should be avoided as this may lead to breakthrough seizures that could have serious consequences for the woman and the unborn child. Monotherapy should be preferred whenever possible because therapy with multiple antiepileptic medicines AEDs could be associated with a higher risk of congenital malformations than monotherapy, depending on the associated antiepileptics.

Pregnancy

A large amount of postmarketing data on pregnant women exposed to levetiracetam monotherapy (more than 1800, among which in more than 1500 exposure occurred during the 1st trimester) do not suggest an increase in the risk for major congenital malformations.

Limited evidence is available on the neurodevelopment of children exposed to levetiracetam monotherapy in utero. Data from two observational population-based registry studies undertaken in largely the same dataset from the Nordic countries and including more than 1000 children born to women with epilepsy prenatally exposed to levetiracetam monotherapy do not suggest an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders or intellectual disability compared to children born to women with epilepsy not exposed to an antiepileptic drug in utero. The mean follow-up time of children in the levetiracetam group was shorter than for the group of children non exposed to any antiepileptic drug (e.g. 4.4 years vs 6.8 years in one of the studies).

Levetiracetam can be used during pregnancy, if after careful assessment it is considered clinically needed. In such case, the lowest effective dose is recommended.

Physiological changes during pregnancy may affect levetiracetam concentration. Decrease in levetiracetam plasma concentrations has been observed during pregnancy. This decrease is more pronounced during the third trimester (up to 60% of baseline concentration before pregnancy). Appropriate clinical management of pregnant women treated with levetiracetam should be ensured.

Breast-feeding

Levetiracetam is excreted in human breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended. However, if levetiracetam treatment is needed during breastfeeding, the benefit/risk of the treatment should be weighed considering the importance of breastfeeding.

Fertility

No impact on fertility was detected in animal studies (see section 5.3). No clinical data are available, potential risk for human is unknown.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Levetiracetam has minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Due to possible different individual sensitivity, some patients might experience somnolence or other central nervous system related symptoms, especially at the beginning of treatment or following a dose increase. Therefore, caution is recommended in those patients when performing skilled tasks, e.g. driving vehicles or operating machinery. Patients are advised not to drive or use machines until it is established that their ability to perform such activities is not affected.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most frequently reported adverse reactions were nasopharyngitis, somnolence, headache, fatigue and dizziness. The adverse reaction profile presented below is based on the analysis of pooled placebo-controlled clinical trials with all indications studied, with a total of 3416 patients treated with levetiracetam. These data are supplemented with the use of levetiracetam in corresponding open-label extension studies, as well as post-marketing experience. The safety profile of levetiracetam is generally similar across age groups (adult and paediatric patients) and across the approved epilepsy indications.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions reported in clinical studies (adults, adolescents, children and infants > 1 month) and from post-marketing experience are listed in the following table per System Organ Class and per frequency. Adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness and their frequency is defined as follows: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10000 to <1/1000) and very rare (<1/10000).

MedDRA SOC

Frequency category

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Infections and infestations

Nasopharyngitis

Infection

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia

Pancytopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis

Immune system disorders

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)(1) Hypersensitivity (including angioedema and anaphylaxis)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Anorexia

Weight decreased, weight increase

Hyponatraemia

Psychiatric disorders

Depression, hostility/ aggression, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness/ irritability

Suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, psychotic disorder, abnormal behaviour, hallucination, anger, confusional state, panic attack, affect lability/mood swings, agitation

Completed suicide, personality disorder, thinking abnormal, delirium

Obsessive compulsive disorder

(2)

Nervous system disorders

Somnolence, headache

Convulsion, balance disorder, dizziness, lethargy, tremor

Amnesia, memory impairment, coordination abnormal/ataxia, paraesthesia, disturbance in attention

Choreoathetosis, dyskinesia, hyperkinesia, gait disturbance, encephalopathy, seizures aggravated.

Eye disorders

Diplopia, vision blurred

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Vertigo

Cardiac disorders

Electrocardiogram QT prolonged

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Cough

Gastrointestinal disorders

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, vomiting, nausea

Pancreatitis

Hepatobiliary disorders

Liver function test abnormal

Hepatic failure, hepatitis

Renal and Urinary disorders

Acute kidney injury

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rash

Alopecia, eczema, pruritus,

Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Muscular weakness, myalgia

Rhabdomyolysis and blood creatine Phosphokinase increased*

General disorders and administration site conditions

Asthenia/ fatigue

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Injury

(1) See Description of selected adverse reactions

(2) Very rare cases of development of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) in patients with underlying history of OCD or psychiatric disorders have been observed in post-marketing surveillance.

(3)Prevalence is significantly higher in Japanese patients when compared to non-Japanese patients.

Evidence also suggests a possible predisposition of the Japanese population to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Description of selected adverse reactions

Multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions

Multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions (also known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, DRESS) have been reported rarely in patients treated with levetiracetam. Clinical manifestations may develop 2 to 8 weeks after starting treatment. These reactions are variable in expression, but typically present with fever, rash, facial oedema, lymphadenopathies, haematologic abnormalities and can be associated with involvement of different organ systems, mostly the liver. If multiorgan hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, levetiracetam should be discontinued.

The risk of anorexia is higher when levetiracetam is co-administered with topiramate.

In several cases of alopecia, recovery was observed when levetiracetam was discontinued. Bone marrow suppression was identified in some of the cases of pancytopenia.

Cases of encephalopathy generally occurred at the beginning of the treatment (few days to a few months) and were reversible after treatment discontinuation.

Paediatric population

In patients aged 1 month to less than 4 years, a total of 190 patients have been treated with levetiracetam in placebo-controlled and open label extension studies. Sixty of these patients were treated with levetiracetam in placebo-controlled studies. In patients aged 4-16 years, a total of 645 patients have been treated with levetiracetam in placebo-controlled and open label extension studies. 233 of these patients were treated with levetiracetam in placebo-controlled studies. In both these paediatric age ranges, these data are supplemented with the post-marketing experience of the use of levetiracetam.

In addition, 101 infants aged less than 12 months have been exposed in a post authorization safety study. No new safety concerns for levetiracetam were identified for infants less than 12 months of age with epilepsy.

The adverse reaction profile of levetiracetam is generally similar across age groups and across the approved epilepsy indications. Safety results in paediatric patients in placebo-controlled clinical studies were consistent with the safety profile of levetiracetam in adults except for behavioural and psychiatric adverse reactions which were more common in children than in adults. In children and adolescents aged 4 to 16 years, vomiting (very common, 11.2%), agitation (common, 3.4%), mood swings (common, 2.1%), affect lability (common, 1.7%), aggression (common, 8.2%), abnormal behaviour (common, 5.6%), and lethargy (common, 3.9%) were reported more frequently than in other age ranges or in the overall safety profile. In infants and children aged 1 month to less than 4 years, irritability (very common, 11.7%) and coordination abnormal (common, 3.3%) were reported more frequently than in other age groups or in the overall safety profile.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled paediatric safety study with a non-inferiority design has assessed the cognitive and neuropsychological effects of levetiracetam in children 4 to 16 years of age with partial onset seizures. It was concluded that Levetiracetam Strides oral solution was not different (non-inferior) from placebo with regard to the change from baseline of the Leiter-R Attention and Memory, Memory Screen Composite score in the per-protocol population. Results related to behavioural and emotional functioning indicated a worsening in levetiracetam treated patients on aggressive behaviour as measured in a standardised and systematic way using a validated instrument (CBCL – Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist). However, subjects, who took levetiracetam in the long-term open label follow-up study, did not experience a worsening, on average, in their behavioural and emotional functioning; in particular measures of aggressive behaviour were not worse than baseline.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Symptoms

Somnolence, agitation, aggression, depressed level of consciousness, respiratory depression and coma were observed with Levetiracetam Strides oral solution overdoses.

Management of overdose

After an acute overdose, the stomach may be emptied by gastric lavage or by induction of emesis. There is no specific antidote for levetiracetam. Treatment of an overdose will be symptomatic and may include haemodialysis. The dialyser extraction efficiency is 60 % for levetiracetam and 74 % for the primary metabolite.

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