Citazar
Citazar Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Citazar is a brand name. Its generic name is Levetiracetam.
Citazar Introduction
Citazar (Keppra) is an anti-epileptic medication that is used to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children. It is used as an adjunct therapy to treat partial onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It works by reducing the activity of the neurons that cause seizures.Uses for Citazar
Citazar is used to treat partial onset seizures and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children four years of age and older. It can also be used in patients who are at risk of further seizures.Mechanism of Action
Citazar works by binding to a specific receptor in the brain, known as the SV2A receptor. This binding action reduces the amount of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, and increases the amount of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This action is believed to reduce the activity of neurons that cause seizures.How Long Does It Take To Work?
The effects of levetiracetam can be seen within one to two weeks of starting the medication. Approximately 50-70% of patients will experience a reduction in seizure frequency within six weeks of starting the medication.Absorption
Citazar is quickly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration.Route of Elimination
Citazar is primarily metabolized in the liver by enzymes to its active metabolites. Most of the drug is eliminated in the urine and some in the feces.Dosage
Dosage requirements for levetiracetam vary depending on the type and severity of the seizure disorder. In general, the recommended dosage for adults is 1000-3000 mg/day taken in two or three divided doses. For children ages four years and older, the dose is 10-50 mg/kg/day divided into two or three doses.Administration
Citazar is taken orally as a tablet, oral solution or IV solution.Side Effects
Common side effects of levetiracetam include drowsiness, dizziness, asthenia, headache, vertigo, somnolence, fatigue, and irritability. Other more serious side effects can include psychosis, aggression, and ideation.Toxicity
At recommended doses, levetiracetam is considered safe and well tolerated. At higher doses, there is potential for a decrease in plasma levels of folate and vitamin B12 and a decrease in red blood cell count (anemia). There is also potential for reversible increases in serum transaminase levels.Precautions
Patients should be monitored for changes in behavior, including signs of depression or suicidal ideation. Patients should also be monitored for signs of kidney failure and monitored for drugs that interact with levetiracetam.Interactions
Citazar may interact with other medications and should not be taken with certain drugs, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin, and lamotrigine.Disease Interaction
Citazar can be used safely in patients with kidney or liver impairment. It can also be used in patients with depression or anxiety.Drug Interaction
Citazar can interact with other drugs including anticonvulsants, antidepressants and certain antibiotics.Food Interactions
Citazar can be taken with or without food. It is best taken with food to help reduce stomach upset.Pregnancy Use
Citazar is classified as Pregnancy Category C. The safety of levetiracetam in pregnancy has not been firmly established and it is not recommended for pregnant women, except if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.Lactation Use
Citazar is excreted in the milk of lactating mothers. It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding mothers.Acute Overdose
No specific antidote is available for overdose with levetiracetam. Symptoms of overdose may include sedation, nausea, vomiting, and unsteadiness. Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic and adlibitum fluid should be incorporated.Contraindication
Citazar is contraindicated in patients with an allergy to levetiracetam or any of its components.Use Directions
Citazar should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. The dosage requirements may vary depending on the type and severity of the seizure disorder.Storage Condition
Citazar should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution for levetiracetam is 0.5-1.0 L/kg.Half Life
The half-life of levetiracetam is 6-8 hours.Clearance
Citazar is cleared by the kidney and the elimination half-life is unaffected by renal impairment. The renal clearance is 0.19-0.42 L/h.Here you find in details version of Citazar
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Citazar
What is Citazar?
Citazar is a medication used to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. It is also approved for the treatment of myoclonic seizures and is sometimes used off-label to treat other types of seizure disorders.
How does Citazar work?
Citazar works on the central nervous system (CNS) to help reduce the frequency of seizures. It works by acting on certain voltage-dependent sodium channels in the brain, which helps to stabilize the neural membranes and inhibit seizure activity.
Does Citazar have any side effects?
Yes, Citazar can cause side effects, including dizziness, confusion, fatigue, nausea, and irritability. It can also cause difficulty sleeping, weight gain, and headaches.Talk to your doctor if you experience any severe or worrisome side effects.
What is the proper dosage for Citazar?
The proper dosage for Citazar depends on your specific condition. Your doctor will determine what dosage is appropriate for you based on your age, weight, overall health, and medical history. It is important to always take Citazar as prescribed.
Can I take Citazar with other medications?
It is important to always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications, including Citazar. Always discuss any other medications you are taking to ensure that Citazar will not interact with them.
How quickly does Citazar start working?
The effects of Citazar may begin to be felt within one hour of taking the medication. However, it may take several days or weeks for the full effects to become noticeable.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Citazar?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Citazar, as the combination can increase the risk of drowsiness and confusion. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about combining alcohol and Citazar.
Does Citazar help with anxiety?
While Citazar is primarily used to treat seizures, it may have a calming effect on people with anxiety. However, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine if Citazar is an appropriate treatment for your anxiety.
Does Citazar cause weight gain?
Citazar can cause weight gain in some patients. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the potential for weight gain.
Can Citazar be used to treat status epilepticus?
Yes, Citazar can be used to treat status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing a seizure that does not stop, seek medical help right away.
Can Citazar be used to treat bipolar disorder?
Citazar is not approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, it may be used off-label for that purpose. Talk to your doctor to determine if Citazar may be an appropriate treatment for your bipolar disorder.
What are the most common side effects of Citazar?
The most common side effects of Citazar include dizziness, confusion, fatigue, nausea, and irritability. It can also cause difficulty sleeping, weight gain, and headaches. Talk to your doctor if you experience any severe or worrisome side effects.
What is the difference between Citazar and other antiseizure medications?
Citazar is a unique antiseizure medication, as it works on the central nervous system (CNS) to help reduce the frequency of seizures. It works by acting on certain voltage-dependent sodium channels in the brain, which helps to stabilize the neural membranes and inhibit seizure activity. Other antiseizure medications work on different parts of the brain or in different ways.
Is Citazar safe for children?
Citazar is approved for use in pediatric patients aged 4 years and older. Talk to your doctor before giving Citazar to a child to determine if it is an appropriate treatment for their condition.
How long does it take for Citazar to reach its full effectiveness?
It can take several days or weeks for Citazar to reach its full effectiveness. However, it is important to take the medication as directed by your doctor to ensure best results.
Is Citazar addictive?
No, Citazar is not regarded as an addictive medication. However, it may cause psychological or physical dependence, so it is important to take the medication as prescribed and to follow your doctor's instructions.
Can Citazar cause seizures?
Citazar is used to treat seizures, so it is unlikely to cause seizures. However, if it is not taken as prescribed it may increase the risk of seizures.
What is the usual dose of Citazar?
The usual dose of Citazar depends on your specific condition. Your doctor will determine what dosage is appropriate for you based on your age, weight, overall health, and medical history.
Is Citazar safe for pregnant women?
Citazar is classified as a Pregnancy Category C medication, meaning it is not known if it is safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor to determine whether Citazar is an appropriate treatment for you during pregnancy.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Citazar?
If you miss a dose of Citazar, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more Citazar than prescribed by your doctor.
What are the possible drug interactions for Citazar?
Citazar has been known to interact with certain medications, such as birth control pills, cimetidine, and antidepressants. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications in combination with Citazar to ensure that no serious interactions occur.
Can Citazar cause depression?
Citazar can cause side effects such as confusion, fatigue, and irritability, which can make depression worse in some patients. If you have a history of depression, talk to your doctor about possible side effects associated with Citazar.
What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Citazar?
If you experience an allergic reaction after taking Citazar, such as hives, rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away. Stop taking the medication and let your doctor know immediately.
Can Citazar be taken with food?
Citazar can be taken with or without food. However, it is recommended to take it with food to reduce the risk of upset stomach.
How long does it take for Citazar to start working?
The effects of Citazar may begin to be felt within one hour of taking the medication. However, it may take several days or weeks for the full effects to become noticeable.
Can Citazar be used to treat other seizure disorders?
Citazar has only been approved to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. However, it may be used off-label to treat other types of seizure disorders.
How is Citazar administered?
Citazar is available in an oral tablet, oral solution, and intravenous (IV) injection. The form and dosage will depend on your condition and individual needs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best form and dosage for you.
Can Citazar be used for long-term seizure prevention?
Yes, Citazar can be used long-term for seizure prevention. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Citazar with your doctor before starting long-term treatment.
What should I do if I forget to take my Citazar dose?
If you forget to take your Citazar dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more Citazar than prescribed by your doctor.
Are there any lifestyle changes I should make while taking Citazar?
It is important to make healthy lifestyle changes while taking Citazar, such as avoiding alcohol, getting regular exercise, and eating a balanced diet. Talk to your doctor about any lifestyle changes you can make to improve the effectiveness of Citazar.
Can Citazar cause headaches?
Citazar can cause headaches in some patients. Talk to your doctor if you experience frequent or severe headaches while taking Citazar.
Can I break a Citazar tablet in half?
No, it is not recommended to break or crush a Citazar tablet. Doing so could increase the risk of serious side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on taking Citazar properly.
Is Citazar safe for the elderly?
Citazar is approved for use in elderly patients aged 4 years and older. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Citazar with your doctor before starting treatment.
Can Citazar cause liver damage?
Citazar can cause abnormal liver functioning test results, but it is not known to cause permanent liver damage. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, talk to your doctor.
What should I do if Citazar does not seem to be working?
If you feel that Citazar is not working properly, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend adjusting your Citazar dosage or switching to a different seizure medication.
Can Citazar cause birth defects?
Citazar has not been shown to cause birth defects in studies. However, it is classified as a Pregnancy Category C medication, meaning it is not known if it is safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor to discuss the risks of taking Citazar while pregnant.
Is Citazar safe for breastfeeding mothers?
Citazar is not known to be safe or unsafe during breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor to determine if Citazar is an appropriate treatment for your condition.
Can Citazar cause memory loss?
Citazar can cause cognitive impairment, confusion, and difficulty concentrating, which may lead to memory loss. If you experience any changes in cognition, talk to your doctor.
Does Citazar make you sleepy?
Citazar may cause sleepiness and fatigue in some patients. It is important to use caution while performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how Citazar affects you.
Can children take Citazar?
Citazar is approved for use in pediatric patients aged 4 years and older. Talk to your doctor before giving Citazar to a child to determine if it is an appropriate treatment for their condition.