From the Guidelines
Metformin and Keppra (levetiracetam) generally do not have significant drug interactions when taken together, and patients can continue their prescribed dosages as directed by their healthcare provider 1.
Mechanism of Action
Metformin is an antidiabetic medication that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production in the liver, while Keppra is an antiepileptic drug that binds to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A to control seizure activity.
Potential Side Effects
However, it's essential to monitor for any unusual side effects, as both medications can occasionally cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea, which might be more pronounced when taken together 1.
Kidney Impairment
Patients with kidney impairment should be particularly cautious, as both drugs are eliminated through the kidneys and may require dose adjustments in this population 1.
Comprehensive Medication Management
Always inform all healthcare providers about all medications being taken to ensure comprehensive medication management.
Key Considerations
- Metformin is contraindicated in patients with advanced renal insufficiency and should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or congestive heart failure due to the increased risk of lactic acidosis 1.
- Metformin may be temporarily discontinued before procedures, during hospitalizations, and when acute illness may compromise renal or liver function 1.
- Monitoring for vitamin B12 deficiency should be considered for those taking metformin long term 1.
From the Research
Potential Drug Interactions between Metformin and Keppra (Levetiracetam)
There are no research papers provided to directly assist in answering the question about potential drug interactions between Metformin and Keppra (Levetiracetam). However, some general information about metformin interactions can be discussed:
- Metformin is known to interact with various drugs, primarily through its dependence on Organic Cation Transporters (OCTs) and Multidrug and Toxin Extruders (MATEs) for its pharmacokinetics movement 2.
- The probability of drug interaction increases with the number of concomitant medications, and identifying drugs that inhibit OCTs and MATEs can help predict metformin interactions 2.
- Studies have shown interactions between metformin and other drugs, such as vandetanib, which increased metformin area under the plasma concentration-time curve and maximum observed plasma concentration 3.
- Metformin has been found to be safe when used in combination with certain drugs, such as empagliflozin, with no significant drug-drug interactions observed 4.
- However, without specific information on Keppra (Levetiracetam), it is not possible to determine the potential interactions with metformin based on the provided studies.