The Study of Pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam in Patients Undergoing Intermittent Hemodialysis

Levetiracetam (LEV) is one of second-generation antiepileptic drugs that has been used to treat partial and generalized epilepsy. LEV is eliminated from the systemic circulation by renal excretion. Therefore, patients with renal impairment may experience a reduced drug excretion and increased adverse drug reactions. Moreover, patients with end-stage renal disease who need dialysis may experience low serum LEV concentration because of drug loss via dialysis. LEV loss via dialysis can cause low serum level of LEV that insufficient for seizure control. The present study was aimed to evaluate pharmacokinetics of LEV in patients undergoing 4 hour-intermittent hemodialysis (IHD). The results of the study may benefit to determine the appropriate LEV initial dose and supplemental dose for patients undergoing IHD.