Iracet 500mg/tablet

Overview

Iracet 500 mg Tablet contains Levetiracetam 500 mg, an antiepileptic drug indicated as monotherapy for partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults and adolescents from 16 years with newly diagnosed epilepsy, and as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures (Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy), and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy) in patients from 1 month of age. The precise mechanism of action is not fully understood, but Levetiracetam inhibits burst firing in epileptic tissue without affecting normal neuronal excitability, selectively preventing hypersynchronization of epileptiform burst firing and propagation of seizure activity.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and adolescents ≥16 years (monotherapy): Starting dose 250 mg twice daily, increased to 500 mg twice daily after two weeks. Can be further increased by 250 mg twice daily every two weeks up to a maximum of 1500 mg twice daily.

Adults and adolescents ≥12 years weighing ≥50 kg (adjunct): Initial dose 500 mg twice daily. Can be increased up to 1500 mg twice daily in 500 mg twice-daily increments every 2–4 weeks.

Children 6 years and above (adjunct, ≥25 kg): Starting dose 250 mg twice daily, maximum 750 mg twice daily. For children ≥50 kg, adult dosing applies. Oral solution preferred for infants and children under 6 years or those unable to swallow tablets.

Tablets are film-coated, to be swallowed whole with liquid, with or without food. Daily dose given in two equally divided doses.

Interaction

Iracet does not significantly influence the serum concentrations of phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenobarbital, lamotrigine, gabapentin, or primidone. Probenecid inhibits renal clearance of Iracet's primary metabolite. Concomitant use with methotrexate may reduce methotrexate clearance — monitor both drug levels carefully. Osmotic laxative macrogol should not be taken within one hour before or after Iracet. Food does not affect the extent of absorption.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Levetiracetam, other pyrrolidone derivatives, or any excipient in the formulation.

Side Effects

In adults: somnolence, asthenia, infection, and dizziness (incidence ≥5% more than placebo). In children: fatigue, aggression, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, and irritability. Rare cases of decreased blood cell counts (neutropenia, agranulocytosis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia) have been reported. Suicidal ideation and behaviour have been reported with antiepileptic agents including Iracet.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Levetiracetam is not recommended during pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential not using contraception unless clinically necessary. Levetiracetam is excreted in human breast milk; breastfeeding is not recommended. The benefit/risk of treatment should be weighed carefully if use during breastfeeding is considered.

Precautions and Warnings

Dose adjustment required in renal impairment. In severe hepatic impairment, assess creatinine clearance — a 50% reduction of maintenance dose is recommended when creatinine clearance is below 60 ml/min. Monitor for signs of depression and suicidal ideation. Complete blood counts advised if the patient develops significant weakness, fever, recurrent infections, or coagulation disorders. Tablet formulation not suitable for children under 6 years or those unable to swallow — use oral solution instead.

Storage Conditions

Store at a cool temperature not exceeding 25°C, in a dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Iracet 500 mg used for?
Iracet 500 mg (Levetiracetam) is an antiepileptic drug used to treat partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in both adults and children. It can be used alone (monotherapy) for newly diagnosed epilepsy in adults/adolescents ≥16 years, or as an add-on (adjunctive) therapy across a broader age range from 1 month upward.

Q: Can Iracet be taken with other antiepileptic drugs?
Yes. Levetiracetam is well suited for use alongside other antiepileptics because it does not significantly affect the blood levels of commonly co-prescribed drugs such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, or lamotrigine. However, caution is needed with methotrexate (whose clearance may be reduced) and osmotic laxatives such as macrogol. Always inform your physician of all medicines being taken.