Levetiracetam
Keppra (human) · generic levetiracetam
Levetiracetam is a human anti-seizure drug now used in dogs and cats, alone or added to phenobarbital, because it has few side effects and needs no routine blood-level monitoring. It is a human generic that a licensed pharmacy can fill on a vet’s prescription.
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.
Giving it to your pet
- How to give it
- Usually every 8 hours for the standard tablets, or every 12 hours for extended-release tablets, with or without food. Extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole, never split or crushed.
- If you miss a dose
- Give it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose; in that case skip the missed dose and carry on as usual. Never give two doses at once to catch up. Never stop it suddenly; stopping a seizure medicine abruptly can trigger severe seizures, so your vet will reduce it gradually if needed.
- Storage
- At room temperature in a closed container, away from moisture, and out of reach of pets and children.
- Call your vet if you see
- Sleepiness or wobbliness, mostly at first. Call your vet if seizures become more frequent, or for vomiting or unusual behavior.
Your vet’s instructions and the label on your pet’s medicine take priority over this general information.
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
Each pharmacy sets its own cash price, so quotes for the same levetiracetam prescription can differ. Three-times-daily dosing in a large dog means a high tablet count, so each quote covers a large quantity. Extended-release tablets are a different product from immediate-release tablets and are quoted separately, and compounded liquids for cats are made to order.
Upload it and licensed pharmacies reply with their own cash price. You pay the pharmacy, not us.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet whether the immediate-release tablet at a standard strength is suitable, and whether a ninety-day prescription is appropriate.
- For a large dog, ask the vet whether the extended-release tablet, given twice a day, would suit your dog, and compare quotes for both forms.
- If a different strength or form would be easier to fill, the pharmacist may contact your vet; only the vet can change the prescription.
- 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?
Compare: Phenobarbital vs Keppra (levetiracetam) for dog seizures
The same medicine is prescribed for people: see the Levetiracetam guide for how it is supplied and priced at pharmacies.
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’s 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.