From the FDA Drug Label
Other events reported by at least 1% of adult levetiracetam-treated patients but as or more frequent in the placebo group were the following: ... diarrhea In the well-controlled clinical study that included patients 4 years of age and older with primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures, the most frequently reported adverse event associated with the use of levetiracetam in combination with other AEDs, not seen at an equivalent frequency among placebo-treated patients, was nasopharyngitis ... Table 11: Incidence (%) Of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events In A Placebo-Controlled, Add- On Study In Patients 4 Years Of Age And Older With PGTC Seizures By MedDRA System Organ Class (Adverse Events Occurred In At Least 5% Of Levetiracetam-Treated Patients And Occurred More Frequently Than Placebo-Treated Patients) Body System / MedDRA preferred term Levetiracetam(N=79)% Placebo(N=84)% Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea 8 7
Diarrhea is a possible side effect of Levetiracetam (Keppra), as reported in at least 1% of adult patients and 8% of patients with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in clinical studies 1 1.
- BB block and magnesium phosphate are not mentioned in the provided drug labels as causing diarrhea.
- Insulin is not mentioned in the provided drug labels. It is essential to consult the drug label or a healthcare professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information on potential side effects.
From the Research
Yes, beta blockers (BB block), Keppra (levetiracetam), magnesium phosphate, and insulin can potentially cause diarrhea as a side effect. The most recent and highest quality study 2 emphasizes the importance of understanding the pharmacology of side effects to prevent adverse drug reactions, which supports the notion that these medications can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Key points to consider include:
- Beta blockers, particularly non-selective ones, can affect the gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea in some patients.
- Keppra (levetiracetam) lists diarrhea as a possible adverse effect, though it's not among its most common side effects, and a study 3 found that it can also cause hypokalemia and hypomagnesaemia, which may contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Magnesium phosphate can directly cause loose stools or diarrhea, especially at higher doses, due to its osmotic properties.
- Insulin itself rarely causes diarrhea directly, but changes in blood sugar levels or diabetic autonomic neuropathy in patients using insulin can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea. If you're experiencing persistent diarrhea while taking these medications, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider, as they may adjust dosages, recommend taking medications with food, suggest alternative medications, or provide treatments to manage this side effect while maintaining necessary therapy.