Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Levetiracetam is used in dog for Status epilepticus (adjunct), Epilepsy (adjunctive or monotherapy). Routes documented in dog: IV, PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Levetiracetam in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Keppra
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 20–60 mg/kg | Loading dose IV over 5-10 min | Emergency | Status epilepticus (adjunct) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 20–60 mg/kg | q8h (IR) or q12h (ER) | Long-term | Epilepsy (adjunctive or monotherapy) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Binds synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release. Novel mechanism distinct from other anticonvulsants. Does not affect GABA or sodium channels at therapeutic doses.
Excellent safety profile. Minimal hepatic metabolism (renal excretion). No significant drug interactions. Sedation and ataxia initially (usually transient). Use extended-release if available (q12h instead of q8h). Safe in cats.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Levetiracetam pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.