Levetiracetam
Keppra (human) · generic levetiracetam
Levetiracetam is a human anti-seizure drug now widely used in dogs and cats, alone or added to phenobarbital, because it has few side effects and needs no blood-level monitoring. It is an inexpensive generic that any pharmacy can fill.
What it is used for
Levetiracetam controls seizures by a different mechanism from phenobarbital and is cleared by the kidneys rather than the liver, which makes it attractive for animals with liver disease or those who cannot tolerate phenobarbital. Its drawback is a short duration in dogs, so the immediate-release tablet is given three times a day; the extended-release tablet allows twice-daily dosing in dogs large enough to take it whole.
It is used as a first drug in some cases, as an add-on in many, and as a short course after a cluster of seizures. Sedation and wobbliness are mild and uncommon. It is not a controlled substance, which makes refills and transfers simpler than for phenobarbital.
Safety points that differ from human use
- Extended-release tablets must be given whole; splitting them destroys the slow release, so they suit only dogs large enough for a whole tablet.
- Doses are reduced in animals with poor kidney function.
- Never stop suddenly; the vet will taper it.
- Immediate-release tablets
- Extended-release tablets
- Oral solution (human; check sweeteners)
- Compounded liquids for cats
- 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg immediate-release tablets
- 500 and 750 mg extended-release tablets
- Oral solution 100 mg per mL
Why the cash price varies
Immediate-release levetiracetam is a commodity generic; the cash price is dispensing fee and margin, though the tablet count for three-times-daily dosing in a large dog is high, so the per-tablet mark-up matters. The extended-release tablets cost pharmacies more. Compounded liquids for cats are made to order.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet whether the immediate-release tablet at a stocked strength is suitable, and for a ninety-day prescription.
- For a large dog, ask whether the extended-release tablet would reduce the dose count enough to be worth its higher price.
- Ask whether levetiracetam is on the pharmacy’s flat-price generic list.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- Is this replacing or adding to phenobarbital?
- Three times a day or extended-release twice a day for my dog?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Do we need blood tests on this?
- Is the human oral solution safe for my pet, or does it need compounding?
Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for your pet’s levetiracetam prescription
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your your pet’s levetiracetam prescription prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Related pet medications
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- FDA Orange Book (approved generics and therapeutic equivalence)
- MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist. Last checked 2026-10-03. Nothing here replaces your vet\u2019s directions; doses for animals are set by weight and species.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.