What is the maximum per-dose amount of levetiracetam used for status epilepticus?

• A. 4.5 g per dose
• B. 60 mg/kg
• C. 2 g per dose
• D. 8 g per dose

Answer: (A)

In treating status epilepticus, levetiracetam is given as a rapid IV loading dose to quickly achieve therapeutic levels. The standard loading dose is 60 mg/kg, but it is capped at 4,500 mg per dose and infused over about 15 minutes. This means the largest amount you would administer at one time is 4.5 grams. For a person around 60–70 kg, the weight-based calculation would yield about 3.6–4.2 g, still under the cap; in heavier patients the cap prevents overdosing. The other options don’t reflect the cap or are outside safe practice: 60 mg/kg is the dosing guideline but not the maximum per dose, 2 g per dose is below the typical maximum, and 8 g per dose exceeds the approved maximum.