Generic medicine

Brivaracetam: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Brivaracetam is a synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) ligand antiepileptic drug (AED).

Forms:TabletOral SolutionSyrup

About Brivaracetam

Indications of Brivaracetam

Brivaracetam is a synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) ligand antiepileptic drug (AED). Its established and evidence-based uses are:

  • Partial-onset (focal) seizures — FDA-approved/established use: Brivaracetam is indicated as adjunctive (add-on) therapy or as monotherapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with epilepsy.
  • Adjunct combination therapy: Most commonly, Brivaracetam is added to an existing antiepileptic regimen when seizures are not adequately controlled on other agents.
  • Off-label use (not FDA-approved, limited evidence): Brivaracetam has been used off-label for status epilepticus (as an intravenous option) and in other seizure types in some clinical settings; such use should be guided by a specialist physician.

Dosage & Administration of Brivaracetam

Adults and adolescents (16 years and older)

IndicationStarting doseMaintenance doseMaximum dose
Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive or monotherapy)50 mg twice daily (100 mg/day)25–100 mg twice daily, adjusted based on response and tolerability200 mg/day

Pediatric patients (1 month to less than 16 years), weight-based

Body weightStarting doseMaintenance range
Less than 11 kg0.75 mg/kg twice daily0.75–3 mg/kg twice daily
11 kg to less than 20 kg0.5 mg/kg twice daily0.5–2.5 mg/kg twice daily
20 kg to less than 50 kg0.5 mg/kg twice daily0.5–2 mg/kg twice daily
50 kg or moreSame as adult dosingSame as adult dosing

Administration

  • Brivaracetam tablets and oral solution may be taken with or without food, twice daily at approximately equal intervals (morning and evening).
  • The intravenous formulation of Brivaracetam is for short-term use (up to 4 consecutive days) when oral administration is temporarily not feasible, and is given as an infusion over 2 to 15 minutes at the same dose and frequency as the oral regimen.
  • Brivaracetam should not be stopped abruptly; discontinuation should be gradual (tapered) to reduce the risk of increased seizure frequency or status epilepticus, unless safety concerns require rapid withdrawal.
  • See Use in Special Populations for renal and hepatic impairment dose considerations.

Side Effects of Brivaracetam

Common side effects of Brivaracetam (occurring in clinical trials at meaningfully higher rates than placebo) include:

  • Somnolence and sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Upper respiratory tract infection

Serious but less common effects requiring prompt medical attention:

  • Psychiatric symptoms: irritability, aggression, agitation, anxiety, depression, psychotic symptoms, and rare suicidal ideation or behavior — patients and caregivers should watch for mood or behavior changes and seek medical advice promptly if these occur.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions: rash, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care if these occur (see Contraindications).
  • Impaired coordination and gait disturbance due to CNS-depressant effects.

Contraindications of Brivaracetam

Brivaracetam is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Brivaracetam or to any of its formulation excipients.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brivaracetam

What is Brivaracetam used for?

Brivaracetam is used to treat partial-onset (focal) seizures in adults and children 1 month of age and older, usually as an add-on to other antiepileptic medicines, though it can also be used alone.

How should I take Brivaracetam?

Brivaracetam tablets or oral solution are usually taken twice daily, with or without food, at the dose prescribed by your physician. Do not change your dose or stop taking Brivaracetam without consulting your doctor, as stopping suddenly can increase the risk of seizures.

What are the common side effects of Brivaracetam?

The most common side effects of Brivaracetam are sleepiness (somnolence), dizziness, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting. Some patients may also experience mood or behavior changes such as irritability or agitation, which should be reported to a physician promptly.

Can Brivaracetam be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Brivaracetam should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, since uncontrolled seizures can also harm mother and baby; discuss the benefits and risks with your physician. Brivaracetam passes into breast milk, so a doctor should be consulted before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.

Who should not take Brivaracetam?

Patients with a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to Brivaracetam should not take it. Tell your doctor about all other medical conditions and medicines you take before starting Brivaracetam.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Brivaracetam?

If you miss a dose of Brivaracetam, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose; do not double the dose. If you or someone else has taken too much Brivaracetam, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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