klor-dye-az-e-POX-ide
Therapeutic Classification: antianxiety agents, sedative/hypnotics
Pharmacologic Classification: benzodiazepines
BEERS REMS
Absorption: Well absorbed from the GI tract.
Distribution: Widely distributed. Crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Half-Life: 5–30 hr.
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
Derm: rash
EENT: blurred vision
GI: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Neuro: dizziness, drowsiness, depression, hangover, headache, paradoxical excitation, sedation
Misc:
physical dependence
,psychological dependence
, toleranceDrug-drug:
Use with opioids or other CNS depressants, including otherbenzodiazepines, 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:
Alcohol Withdrawal
Anxiety
Assess risk for addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to 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:
Do not discontinue abruptly; taper by 10 mg every 3 days to ↓ risk of withdrawal symptoms (depressed mood, trouble sleeping). Some patients may require longer taper period (months). Monitor patients closely with seizure disorder as abrupt withdrawal may precipitate seizures.
Caution patient not to stop taking chlordiazepoxide without consulting health care provider. Abrupt withdrawal may cause sweating, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, and seizures; may be life-threatening.
Advise patient that chlordiazepoxide 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.
Advise patient to avoid the use of alcohol or other CNS depressants, including opioids, concurrently with alprazolam; may cause respiratory depression and overdose. Instruct patient to consult health care provider before taking Rx, OTC, or herbal products concurrently with this medication, especially St. John's wort.
NDC Code