Iracet 500 

Presentation: Iracet 500 Tablet, available in Bangladesh, contains Levetiracetam 500 mg.

Indications: Iracet is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of:  

• Partial-onset seizureswith or without secondary generalization in adults, adolescents, children, and infants from 1 monthof age.
• Myoclonic seizuresin adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy.  
• Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizuresin adultsand adolescents from 12 years of age with Idiopathic GeneralizedEpilepsy.

Dosage and Administration: Iracet should be taken orally, swallowed whole with liquid, and may be taken with or without food. The dose must be individualized according to the patient's renal function and the type of seizures being treated.

• Adults and adolescents (12-17 years) weighing 50 kg or more: The usual starting dose is 500 mg twice daily (1000 mg/day). The dose can be increased every 2 weeks by 500 mg twice daily to a maximum recommended daily dose of 3000 mg.
• Children (4-11 years) and adolescents (12-17 years) weighing less than 50 kg: The starting dose is typically 10 mg/kg twice daily. The dose can be increased every 2 weeks by 10 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum recommended daily dose of 30 mg/kg twice daily.
• Infants and children (1 month to less than 4 years): The starting dose is typically 7 mg/kg twice daily. The dose can be increased every 2 weeks by 7 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum recommended daily dose of 21 mg/kg twice daily.
• Elderly (65 years and older): Dosage adjustment is recommended in elderly patients with compromised renal function.
• Patients with renal impairment: Dosage adjustment is required based on creatinine clearance.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include somnolence (sleepiness), asthenia (lack of energy), headache, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, and decreased appetite. Behavioral abnormalities such as irritability, agitation, depression, and anxiety can also occur.

Less common but potentially serious side effects include psychotic disorders, suicidal ideation, and severe allergic reactions.

Precautions: Iracet is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or other pyrrolidone derivatives or any of the excipients.

Caution should be exercised in patients with pre-existing psychiatric disturbances. Patients should be monitored for signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. Gradual withdrawal of Iracet is recommended to minimize the potential for increased seizure frequency. Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment. Use in pregnancy should be carefully considered and only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not recommended during breastfeeding.

Storage: Store Iracet 500 tablets in a cool (below 30°C) and dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions and guidance regarding your medication. They can assess your individual medical condition and provide the most appropriate advice.