Can you crush Keppra? 

Can you crush Keppra? 

No, it is not recommended to crush or split Keppra tablets according to the manufacturers. Keppra (Levetiracetam) is available in the form of both immediate-release and extended-release (XR) tablets and you shouldn’t crush either one of them. 

Why can’t you crush Keppra tablets? 

Keppra tablets are film-coated and crushing them would damage and expose the active ingredient to the environment. 

This can not only speed up drug degradation, but you can’t consume crushed powder because of its extremely bitter taste. Even if you mix it with any food, you still won’t be able to mask the taste. 

Why can’t you crush Keppra XR tablets? 

You can’t crush extended-release Keppra tablets because of the tablet design. The modified-release dosage forms have a unique tablet design that supports the timely release of the drug. 

Crushing such tablets can cause the entire drug to get released at once, which can result in a high concentration of the drug in your body. This leads to disturbing adverse events. This is why you should not crush Keppra XR tablets. 

Crushing Keppra XR can increase the risk of the following side effects:

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Weakness
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling agitated or irritable
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Feeling tired or weak

Advice from a pharmacist 

Since you can’t crush Keppra and Keppra XR tablets, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for an alternative. Levetiracetam is available in the form of liquid oral suspension and can be used as an alternative to tablets. 

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References

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MedlinePlus. Levetiracetam: MedlinePlus drug information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2022 Feb 15; cited 2022 Dec 26]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699059.html