kloe-NA-ze-pam
BEERS REMS
Absorption: Well absorbed from the GI tract.
Distribution: Probably crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Half-Life: 18–50 hr.
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
CV: palpitations
Derm: rash
EENT: diplopia, nystagmus
GI: constipation, diarrhea, hepatitis
GU: dysuria, nocturia, urinary retention
Hemat: anemia, eosinophilia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Neuro: ataxia, behavioral changes, drowsiness, fatigue, hypotonia, sedation, slurred speech, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
Resp: ↑secretions
Misc: fever,
physical dependence
,psychological dependence
, toleranceDrug-drug:
Use with opioids or other CNS depressants, including other benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics, and alcohol, may cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death; reserve concurrent use for when alternative treatment options are inadequate.
Drug-Natural Products:
Assess risk for addiction, abuse, or misuse before administration and periodically during therapy.
Prolonged high-dose therapy may lead to psychological or physical dependence. Restrict the amount of drug available to patient. Assess regularly for continued need for treatment.
Lab Test Considerations:
Toxicity and Overdose:
Gradually taper to discontinue or ↓ the dose to ↓ risk of withdrawal reactions, ↑ seizure frequency, and status epilepticus. Taper by 0.25 mg every 3 days to ↓ signs and symptoms of withdrawal. If patient develops withdrawal symptoms, pause taper or ↑ dose to previous tapered dose level; ↓ dose more slowly. Some patients may require longer tapering period (weeks–>12 mo).
Caution patient not to stop taking clonazepam without consulting health care provider. Abrupt withdrawal may cause sweating, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, and seizures; may be life-threatening.
Advise patient to avoid the use of alcohol or other CNS depressants, including opioids, concurrently with clonazepam; may cause respiratory depression and overdose. Instruct patient to consult health care provider before taking Rx, OTC, or herbal products concurrently with this medication.
Advise patient that clonazepam is a drug with known abuse potential. Protect it from theft, and never give to anyone other than the individual for whom it was prescribed. Store out of sight and reach of children and in a location not accessible by others.
NDC Code
