Experience and pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam in Korean neonates with neonatal seizures.
- Author:
Jae Won SHIN
1
;
Yun Seob JUNG
;
Kyungsoo PARK
;
Soon Min LEE
;
Ho Seon EUN
;
Min Soo PARK
;
Kook In PARK
;
Ran NAMGUNG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Levetiracetam; Neonatal seizure; Population pharmacokinetics; Safety; Pharmacokinetics
- MeSH: Adult; Drug Monitoring; Half-Life; Humans; Infant, Newborn*; Pharmacokinetics*; Retrospective Studies; Seizures*
- From:Korean Journal of Pediatrics 2017;60(2):50-54
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam (LEV) in neonates with seizures and to establish a population pharmacokinetics (PPK) model by using the software NONMEM. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 18 neonatal patients with seizures, who were treated with LEV, including 151 serum samples, was performed. The mean loading dose was 20 mg/kg, followed by a mean maintenance dose of 29 mg/kg/day. RESULTS: Seventeen neonates (94%) had seizure cessation within 1 week and 16 (84%) remained seizure-free at 30 days under the LEV therapy. The mean serum concentration of LEV was 8.7 µg/mL. Eight samples (5%) were found above the therapeutic range. No serious adverse effects were detected. In the PPK analysis for Korean neonates, the half-life was 9.6 hours; clearance, 0.357 L/hr; and volume of distribution, 4.947 L, showing differences from those in adults. CONCLUSION: LEV is a safe and effective option for the treatment of neonatal seizures with careful therapeutic drug monitoring.
