Clobazam: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses of Clobazam

What drug clobazam?

Clobazam is an anti-seizure medication that works to help control the symptoms of seizures and epilepsy. This drug belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect.

These drugs work by enhancing the effects of certain natural substances in the body (known as GABA).

What are the rules for using clobazam?

Read the medication instructions given by your pharmacist before you start using clobazam and each time you want to buy again.

Clobazam is an oral medication that you can take before or after meals. If you have trouble taking tablet medication, you can crush it and mix it with water or honey. If you drink a liquid, shake the medicine first before drinking it.

Measure the dose carefully with a measuring spoon or syringe. Don't use a home spoon, as you may not get the right dose.

Read the instructions on how to use a measuring spoon properly. If you have questions, ask the pharmacist.

If you are taking clobazam once a day, take it at bedtime. If you are taking this medication in separate doses (more than once), take the highest dose at bedtime.

The dose given will be adjusted to your health condition and your body's response to treatment. In infants, the dose may also be determined based on body weight.

Use the clobazam drug regularly for maximum benefits. To help you remember, set reminders to drink at the same time each day.

If used for a longer period of time, the clobazam drug may no longer work and may require a different dosage. Talk to your doctor if the medication stops working well and your condition doesn't get better or gets worse.

How to store this drug?

Clobazam is a drug that is best stored at room temperature and away from direct light and damp places. Do not store in the bathroom or inside freezer .

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Clobazam dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the clobazam dosage for adults?

The following are the recommended clobazam dosages for adults:

Severe anxiety disorder

Adults: initial dose 20-30 mg per day in divided doses or a single dose at night for 2-4 weeks. The dosage can be increased to 60 mg per day for hospitalized patients.

Elderly: start with a small dose, then increase the dose up to 10-20 mg per day.

What is the dose of clobazam for children?

The initial daily dose of the drug clobazam for seizures in children is:

• Body weight 30 kg or less: 5 mg orally per day
• Body weight over 30 kg: 10 mg orally per day in two divided doses

In what dosage is this drug available?

Clobazam preparations are 10 mg and 20 mg tablets.

Clobazam Side Effects

What side effects might clobazam have?

The most common side effects of using clobazam are:

• Feeling weak, tired, or irritable
• Unclear speech, loss of balance or coordination
• Decreased appetite
• Salivate
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia)
• Constipation (constipation)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Mild fever
• Cough without phlegm

Not everyone experiences side effects when taking medication. It could be, there are also side effects that have not been mentioned above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using clobazam?

Some things you should know before taking clobazam are:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction or unusual symptoms of this medicine or other medicines. Also tell your doctor if you have any other allergies, such as allergies to food, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter medications, read the label or package carefully.

Children

There are no adequate studies on the relationship between age and the effects of clobazam in children younger than 2 years. The safety and mode of action of this drug in children have not been determined.

Elderly

There is not yet sufficient research on the specific problems that would limit the benefits of clobazam in the elderly.

However, the elderly group is more susceptible to age-related liver disease. The dose of clobazam may be adjusted.

Symptoms of addiction and withdrawal

This medicine may cause withdrawal reactions (withdrawal), especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or at high doses.

In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (eg headache, difficulty sleeping, unable to rest, hallucinations, confusion, nausea, and seizures) may appear if you suddenly stop using the drug.

To prevent this reaction, the doctor may reduce the dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any reactions immediately.

Although very unlikely, addiction may occur because of this drug. Do not increase your dose, use it more often or for longer than recommended. Stop treatment according to doctor's advice.

Is clobazam safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using clobazam in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the pregnancy risk category C (possibly risky) according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Clobazam Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with clobazam?

Some drugs are not taken at the same time because there is the potential for mutual interactions. These interactions can change the action of the drug or increase the risk of side effects.

However, in some medications, you may be prescribed drugs that have the potential to interact. The doctor may change the dose or provide some precautions.

Using this medicine together with other medicines is usually not recommended.

• Flumazenil
• Thioridazine
• Alfentanil

Your doctor may decide not to treat you with the above medicines or change other medicines that you are taking.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of the drug clobazam. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, in particular:

• Depression
• Liver disease
• Kidney illness

Clobazam overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• Sleepy
• Dazed
• Lack of energy
• Coordination problems
• Hard to breathe
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Blurry vision

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.