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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
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 →

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)
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 →

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.
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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