Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Furosemide (Lasix) and levetiracetam (Keppra) are both prescription medications, but they serve very different purposes. Furosemide is a diuretic, also known as a water pill, used to reduce swelling and lower blood pressure by making you urinate more. It is typically taken once or twice daily and is available in both tablet and liquid forms. On the other hand, levetiracetam is an antiepileptic medication used to treat various types of seizures. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets, as well as a liquid form, and is usually taken once or twice a day depending on the formulation. While furosemide works by removing excess water and electrolytes from your body, levetiracetam helps prevent seizures by calming brain activity. Common side effects of furosemide include frequent urination and dizziness, whereas levetiracetam can cause sleepiness, weakness, and mood changes. Additionally, furosemide can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, while levetiracetam may cause serious mood changes and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Furosemide (Lasix)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Summary of Lasix vs. Keppra
Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
Prescription only
Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic, a type of water pill. Furosemide (Lasix) is used to relieve swelling from extra fluids in children and adults. This medication can also lower blood pressure, though it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Furosemide (Lasix) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It's also available as an oral solution for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Furosemide (Lasix) will cause you to urinate more often as a side effect, so it's best to not take this medication too close to bedtime.
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Immediate-release levetiracetam is a seizure medication for adults and children. It's known as the brand names Keppra and Roweepra, and it also has a generic version. This medication comes as a tablet and liquid that's taken twice each day. The dosage depends on your age, weight, and the type of seizure you have. Levetiracetam (Keppra) doesn't have any known interactions with food or medications. Common side effects include weakness, sleepiness, and headache.
Indications of Lasix vs. Keppra
Indications for
•Swelling (edema) due to heart failure, liver problems, or kidney problems
•Might not be the best option if you have a history of mental health problems (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
Common Side Effects of Lasix vs. Keppra
Common Side Effects for
•Urinating more often
•Dizziness
•Headache
•Feeling off balance when you get up suddenly
•Skin sensitive to the sun
Common Side Effects for
Side effects were reported by people with focal aware seizures taking levetiracetam (Keppra) with other seizure medications. Side effects might differ for other seizure types.
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Adults:
•Weakness (15%)
•Sleepiness (15%)
•Headache (14%)
•Infection (13%)
•Dizziness (9%)
Children:
•Headache (19%)
•Common cold symptoms (15%)
•Vomiting (15%)
•Sleepiness (13%)
•Tiredness (11%)
•Being aggressive (10%)
•Cough (9%)
•Stuffy nose (9%)
•Upper stomach pain (9%)
•Lower appetite (8%)
Warnings of Lasix vs. Keppra
Common Side Effects for
•Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
•Caution in people with liver problems
•Hearing problems
•Problems with urination
•Allergic reaction
•Gout
Common Side Effects for
•Abnormal mood, thoughts, or behavior
•Suicidal thoughts or behavior
•Difficulty with speech, movement, and concentration