Phenytoin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Phenytoin	Keppra (levetiracetam)	Levetiracetam	Enter another drug to compare

Phenytoin

Keppra (levetiracetam)

Levetiracetam

Prescription only

Prescribed for Epilepsy, Seizures, Status Epilepticus, Cluster-Tic Syndrome, Anxiety, Seizure Prophylaxis During or Following Neurosurgery, Arrhythmia, Neurosurgery, Myotonia Congenita, Peripheral... View more

Prescription only

Keppra is an anticonvulsant that is used in conjunction with other medications for the treatment of certain types of seizures. It may cause drowsiness but it is less likely than some other... View more

Prescription only

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant that is used in conjunction with other medications for the treatment of certain types of seizures. It may cause drowsiness but interactions with other medications... View more

More about Phenytoin

More about Keppra (levetiracetam)

More about Levetiracetam

Ratings & Reviews

Phenytoin has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 116 ratings on Drugs.com. 66% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 16% reported a negative effect.

Keppra has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 307 ratings on Drugs.com. 43% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 34% reported a negative effect.

Levetiracetam has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 429 ratings on Drugs.com. 44% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 32% reported a negative effect.

View all 116 reviews

View all 307 reviews

View all 429 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

Dizziness (10.3%)
Rash (7.8%)
Memory loss (6.9%)
Swelling (6.9%)
Seizures (5.2%)
Fever (4.3%)
Drowsiness (3.4%)

View all Phenytoin side effects

Anger (21.5%)
Depression (18.6%)
Mood swings (14.3%)
Tiredness (14.0%)
Irritability (10.1%)
Memory loss (6.2%)
Anxiety (5.9%)

View all Keppra side effects

Anger (19.1%)
Depression (17.5%)
Tiredness (14.0%)
Mood swings (13.1%)
Irritability (10.3%)
Anxiety (7.9%)
Dizziness (6.3%)

View all Levetiracetam side effects

Drug Class

Hydantoin anticonvulsants

Pyrrolidine anticonvulsants

Pyrrolidine anticonvulsants

Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic approved

Lower cost generic

Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance

Quantity	200 mL
Strength	25 mg/mL
Per unit^*	$1.46 - $1.56
Cost^*	$291.40 - $312.40

View all Phenytoin prices

Quantity	120 tablet
Strength	500 mg
Per unit^*	$10.89
Cost^*	$1,306.40

View all Keppra prices

Quantity	100 each
Strength	500 mg
Per unit^*	$0.28 - $0.60
Cost^*	$27.59 - $60.32

View all Levetiracetam prices

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Dosage Forms

Oral suspension
Oral tablet, chewable

Intravenous solution
Oral solution
Oral tablet

Intravenous solution
Oral solution
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, dispersible
Oral tablet, extended release

Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

15 hours

8 hours

CSA Schedule ¹ View glossary of CSA terms

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 855 drugs are known to interact with Phenytoin:

243 major drug interactions (680 brand and generic names)
566 moderate drug interactions (3655 brand and generic names)
46 minor drug interactions (288 brand and generic names)

A total of 238 drugs are known to interact with Keppra:

6 major drug interactions (21 brand and generic names)
229 moderate drug interactions (1052 brand and generic names)
3 minor drug interactions (15 brand and generic names)

A total of 238 drugs are known to interact with Levetiracetam:

6 major drug interactions (21 brand and generic names)
229 moderate drug interactions (1052 brand and generic names)
3 minor drug interactions (15 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

Phenytoin levels may decrease when the suspension is given with enteral feedings. This could lead... View more
Using phenytoin together with alcohol may alter the effects of phenytoin. Contact your doctor if... View more

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of levETIRAcetam such as dizziness... View more

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of levETIRAcetam such as dizziness... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

January 06, 1953

November 30, 1999

WADA Class View classifications

N/A

More Information

Patient Resources

Phenytoin uses

Levetiracetam uses

Professional Resources

Prescribing information

¹ The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Phenytoin Alternatives Compared

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