Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of seizures. The drug comes as an injection, oral tablet, and oral solution. The dosage depends on the form of the drug you’re prescribed and other factors.
Keppra is used in adults and certain children to treat:
- focal-onset seizures in adults and some children
- primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in certain adults and children with epilepsy
- myoclonic seizures in adults and some children with a certain type of epilepsy
The active ingredient in Keppra is levetiracetam. Keppra belongs to a group of drugs called antiseizure medications, previously called antiepileptics.
This article describes the dosages of Keppra, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Keppra, see this in-depth article.
There are two different versions of the Keppra oral tablet: Keppra and Keppra XR. Both contain the same active ingredient, levetiracetam. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Keppra is an immediate-release oral tablet, while Keppra XR is an extended-release oral tablet. “Immediate release” means the drug is released into your body right away. “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
The following table shows some key differences between Keppra and Keppra XR. Doses are in milligrams (mg) and milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).
| Keppra | Keppra XR | |
| Uses | • focal-onset seizures in adults and children ages 1 month and older • generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children ages 6 years and older with epilepsy • myoclonic seizures in adults and children ages 12 years and older with a certain type of epilepsy | focal-onset seizures in adults and children ages 12 years and older |
| Forms and strengths | oral tablet: • 250 mg • 500 mg • 750 mg • 1,000 mg oral solution: • 100 mg/mL intravenous (IV) injection: • 500 mg/5 mL | extended-release oral tablet: • 500 mg • 750 mg |
| Typical dosing frequency | twice per day | once per day |
This article focuses on Keppra. To learn more about Keppra XR, see the drug’s prescribing information or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
This section describes the usual dosages of Keppra. Keep reading to learn more.
What are Keppra’s forms?
- Keppra comes in three forms:
- oral tablet
- oral solution
- IV injection
Note: Doctors only prescribe Keppra IV injection short term if oral medications can’t be taken.
What strengths does Keppra come in?
Each form of Keppra comes in different strengths. The following table shows the strengths available by form.
| Oral tablet strengths | Oral solution strength | IV injection strength |
| • 250 mg • 500 mg • 750 mg • 1,000 mg | • 100 mg/mL | • 500 mg/5 mL |
What are the usual dosages of Keppra in adults?
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for focal-onset seizures
The recommended dosages of Keppra for focal-onset seizures are:
- Starting dosage: 500 mg twice per day
- Recommended maintenance dosage: 1,500 mg twice per day
- Maximum dosage: 3,000 mg per day (1,500 mg twice per day)
Dosage for myoclonic seizures
The recommended dosages of Keppra for myoclonic seizures are:
- Starting dosage: 500 mg twice per day
- Recommended maintenance dosage: 1,500 mg twice per day
Dosage for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures
The recommended dosages of Keppra for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures are:
- Starting dosage: 500 mg twice per day
- Recommended maintenance dosage: 1,500 mg twice per day
What’s the dosage of Keppra for children?
Keppra is used to help treat certain types of seizures in children. These include:
- focal-onset seizures in children ages 1 month and older
- myoclonic seizures in children ages 12 years and older with a certain type of epilepsy
- primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in children ages 6 years and older with a certain type of epilepsy
The dosage used in children depends on your child’s age, body weight in kilograms(kg), the type of seizure being treated, and the form of Keppra prescribed. (For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds [lb].)
Children who weigh 20 kg (about 44 lb) or less will likely be prescribed Keppra oral solution. Children who weigh more than 20 kg may be prescribed Keppra oral tablet or oral solution.
Children’s dosage for focal-onset seizures
The following table shows the recommended dosages of Keppra for children with focal-onset seizures.
| Age | Starting dosage | Recommended maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| 16 years and older | 500 mg twice per day | 1,500 mg twice per day | 3,000 mg per day (1,500 mg twice per day) |
| 4 years to less than 16 years and body weight that’s more than 40 kg | 500 mg twice per day | 1,500 mg twice per day | 3,000 mg per day (1,500 mg twice per day) |
| 4 years to less than 16 years and body weight that’s 20-40 kg | 250 mg twice per day | 750 mg twice per day | 750 mg twice per day |
| 4 years to less than 16 years and body weight that’s less than 20 kg | 10 mg/kg twice per day | 30 mg/kg twice per day | determined by your doctor |
| 6 months to 4 years | 10 mg/kg twice per day | 25 mg/kg twice per day | determined by your doctor |
| 1 month to 6 months | 7 mg/kg twice per day | 21 mg/kg twice per day | determined by your doctor |
Children’s dosage for myoclonic seizures
The dosage used in children ages 12 years and older is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Keppra in adults?” section above.
Children’s dosage for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures
The following table shows the recommended dosages of Keppra for children with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
| Age | Starting dosage | Recommended maintenance dosage |
| 16 years and older | 500 mg twice per day | 1,500 mg twice per day |
| 6 years to less than 16 years | 10 mg/kg twice per day | 30 mg/kg twice per day |
For more information about Keppra’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to take Keppra
Keppra oral tablet and oral solution should be taken twice per day, as prescribed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food.
Keppra oral tablets should be swallowed whole. You should not crush or chew the tablets. The tablets are scored, meaning they can be cut in half along the groove of the pill if needed. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, see this article or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Keppra injection is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Is Keppra used long term?
Yes, Keppra is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
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Do not take more Keppra than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
What to do in case you take too much Keppra
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Keppra. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Keppra’s dosage.
Is Keppra 3,000 mg considered a high dose?
Yes. The maximum dose of Keppra for adults is 3,000 mg per day. This is also the recommended dose for adults with partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. However, the dose is typically divided and given in two doses per day (1,500 mg twice per day).
If you have questions about your dosage or if you’re experiencing bothersome side effects from Keppra, talk with your doctor.
Will my Keppra dosage depend on my weight?
It depends. For most children, doctors will prescribe a dosage of Keppra based on several factors, including the child’s body weight. But the dosage of Keppra for adults is not based on body weight.
If you have questions about the right dosage of Keppra for you, talk with your doctor.
Does Keppra have a loading dose in adults?
No, Keppra does not require a loading dose. (A loading dose is a higher dose of medication given at the beginning of treatment so the drug can start working more quickly.) In most cases, doctors will prescribe a starting dosage and then increase the dosage every 2 weeks until the recommended dosage is reached.
If you have questions about your Keppra dosage, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.