section name header

Indications

BEERS REMS


Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: rash

EENT: blurred vision

GI: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Neuro: dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, ataxia, depression, hangover, headache, paradoxical excitation, slurred speech, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

Resp: RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION

Misc: physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

US Brand Names

Gen-XENE, Tranxene T-Tab

Action

  • Acts at many levels in the CNS to produce anxiolytic effect and CNS depression (by stimulating inhibitory GABA receptors).
  • Produces skeletal muscle relaxation (by inhibiting spinal polysynaptic afferent pathways).
  • Also has anticonvulsant effect (enhances presynaptic inhibition).
Therapeutic effects:
  • Relief of anxiety.
  • Sedation.
  • Prevention of seizures.

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: anticonvulsants, sedative/hypnotics

Pharmacologic Classification: benzodiazepines

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from the GI tract as desmethyldiazepam.

Distribution: Widely distributed.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized by the liver; some conversion to active compounds.

Half-Life: 48 hr.

Contr. Subst. Schedule

Schedule IV (C-IV)

Time/Action Profile

(sedation)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO1–2 hr1–2 hrup to 24 hr

May last longer in geriatric patients.



Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

klor-AZ-e-pate