Pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam

Major considerations in the acceptance and impact of new antiepileptic drug s include their pharmacokinetics and their potential for interaction with o ther drugs. The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam. a newly approved add-on antiepileptic agent for partial-onset seizures in adults, has been evaluate d in 27 phase I and II studies. Consistent findings in these studies includ e rapid and complete oral absorption, linear dose kinetics, a minimal degre e of protein binding, and predominantly renal excretion. Because of the lac k of hepatic metabolism and low protein binding, the risk of interaction wi th other drugs is considered low.