Kepradil XR tablets are an effective oral medication used as an essential part of the treatment plan for managing certain types of epileptic seizures in adults and adolescents. This medication belongs to an important class of medications called antiepileptics, which aim to calm abnormal electrical activity in the brain that leads to seizures. Levetiracetam, the active ingredient in Caprylyl XR, works through a unique mechanism of action that is still being fully studied, but is believed to involve binding to a protein in the brain (synaptic vesicle protein SV2A) and regulating the release of neurotransmitters, helping to stabilize electrical activity in the brain and reduce the likelihood of seizures. Caprylyl XR tablets feature an extended-release (XR) technology, which allows the medication to be released slowly and steadily over an extended period. This allows for only one dose per day, significantly improving patient compliance and maintaining consistent blood levels throughout the day.
The active ingredient in Kepradil XR tablets
Kepradil XR tablets contain the active ingredient levetiracetam, a chemical compound widely used in the treatment of various types of epileptic seizures. Levetiracetam has a relatively good safety profile and fewer drug interactions compared to many conventional anticonvulsants, making it a preferred choice for many patients and physicians. Its unique mechanism of action makes it effective in controlling seizures without significantly affecting other brain functions.
Available Strengths
Kepradil XR tablets are available in various strengths of levetiracetam to provide flexibility in determining the appropriate therapeutic dose for each patient based on their type of epilepsy, seizure severity, individual response to treatment, and weight (especially in children and adolescents).
Common strengths available for Kepradil XR include:
500 mg (extended-release): This dose is often used as a starting or maintenance dose for many patients.
750 mg (extended-release): This dose can be used to increase the therapeutic effect if the initial dose is insufficient to effectively control seizures.
1000 mg (extended-release): This dose is higher and may be necessary to control more severe cases of epilepsy.
The choice of strength and dose depends on a careful assessment by an epilepsy specialist, who will consider several factors. Treatment usually starts at a low dose to reduce the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. The dose is then gradually increased under close medical supervision until optimal seizure control is achieved with minimal side effects.
Indications for Use of Kepradil XR Tablets
Kepradil XR tablets are used to treat certain types of epileptic seizures in adults and children aged 16 years and older, as an additional treatment in the following conditions:
Partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization: These are seizures that begin in one part of the brain and may later spread to both hemispheres.
Kepradil XR is used in addition to other medications to control these types of seizures. Myoclonic seizures in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: These are seizures characterized by sudden, brief muscle jerks.
Kepradil XR is used as an add-on treatment to help reduce the frequency of these seizures. Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy: These are seizures that include loss of consciousness and muscle spasms. Kepradil XR is used as an add-on treatment to help control these seizures.