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Levetiracetam

Prescription
Antiepileptic / Anticonvulsant
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
5

Mechanism of action

Binds to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release and reducing neuronal excitability; mechanism distinct from traditional antiepileptics

At a glance

Class
Antiepileptic / Anticonvulsant
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Epilepsy / Seizure control (adjunctive or monotherapy)
Dose
20–60 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
TID (PO) or pulse loading (IV)
Max dose
3000 mg/dose; 9000 mg/day
Duration: Long-term; 60 mg/kg IV loading for cluster seizures
🐈

Cat

Epilepsy / Seizure control
Dose
20–30 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
500 mg/dose; 1500 mg/day
Duration: Long-term

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 3

Strength
250mg
Available in India
Strength
500mg
Available in India
Strength
1000mg
Available in India
🧴

Oral solution — 1

Strength
100mg/mL
Available in India
💉

Injection — 1

Strength
100mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity

Adverse effects

Common
Sedation (transient)
Inappetence
Ataxia
Serious
Behavioral changes
Hepatotoxicity (rare in dogs)

Monitoring parameters

Seizure frequency/severityHepatic enzymesSerum drug levels (if available)

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Phenobarbital
moderate
Phenobarbital induces hepatic metabolism, potentially decreasing levetiracetam levels; dose adjustment may be needed
Management: Monitor seizure control closely. May need to increase levetiracetam dose by 30-50% when combined with phenobarbital.

Brands

International

Keppra
UCB

India

Levepsy
Sun Pharma
Levera
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Levetiracetam?
Levetiracetam is a antiepileptic / anticonvulsant used in pets. Binds to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release and reducing neuronal excitability; mechanism distinct from traditional antiepileptics
›What is Levetiracetam used for in pets?
Levetiracetam is used in veterinary medicine for: Epilepsy / Seizure control (adjunctive or monotherapy); Epilepsy / Seizure control.
›What is the Levetiracetam dose for dogs?
For dogs, Levetiracetam is typically dosed as follows — Epilepsy / Seizure control (adjunctive or monotherapy): 20–60 mg/kg PO/IV TID (PO) or pulse loading (IV). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Levetiracetam dose for cats?
For cats, Levetiracetam is typically dosed as follows — Epilepsy / Seizure control: 20–30 mg/kg PO/IV BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Levetiracetam?
Common: Sedation (transient), Inappetence, Ataxia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Behavioral changes, Hepatotoxicity (rare in dogs).
›Does Levetiracetam need a prescription?
Yes. Levetiracetam is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Levetiracetam not be used?
Do not use Levetiracetam if: Known hypersensitivity.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →