Clonazepam

Clonazepam – drug with sedative, myorelaxation, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and antiepileptic action.

Form of release and structure

Clonazepam is produced in the form of tablets (on 30 pieces in blisters, on 1 blister in a cardboard pack; on 10 pieces in blister strip packagings, on 3 packagings in a cardboard pack).

Active agent is a part of 1 tablet: clonazepam – 0,5 or 2 mg.

Indications to use

• Epilepsy (myoclonic, akinetic; temporal, generalized submaximum and focal attacks) at adults and children;
• Phobias, syndromes of paroxysmal fear (at patients of 18 years);
• Psychomotor excitement at reactive psychoses;
• Maniacal phase of a cyclotymia.

Contraindications

• Disturbances of consciousness, breath (central genesis);
• Respiratory insufficiency;
• Myasthenia;
• Glaucoma;
• Heavy functional disorders of a liver;
• Age up to 18 years (at paroxysmal fear);
• Hypersensitivity to drug components.

Pregnant women can apply Clonazepam only according to absolute indications. Nursing mothers need to stop breastfeeding.

Drug should be used with care to patients of advanced age (65 years are more senior), and also patients with chronic diseases of respiratory system and functional disturbances of a liver and kidneys.

Route of administration and dosage

Clonazepam is accepted inside.

At epilepsy usually apply the following modes of dosing:

• Adults: an initial dose – on 0,5 mg 3 times a day, further a dose gradually increase (each 3 days by 0,5-1 mg); the supporting daily dose – 4-8 mg (in 3-4 receptions); the maximum daily dose – 20 mg;
• Children: an initial dose – on 0,5 mg 2 times a day, further a dose gradually increase (each 3 days by 0,5 mg); the supporting daily dose – 1-3 mg (children up to 5 years) or 3-6 mg (children of 5-12 years); the maximum daily dose – 0,2 mg/kg.

At treatment of a syndrome of paroxysmal fear by the adult usually appoint 1 mg of Clonazepam a day (as much as possible – 4 mg a day).

Side effects

During use of Clonazepam there can be following side effects: feeling of fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, a diskoordination, an ataxy, weakness, visual disturbances, disturbances of the speech and memory, nervousness, emotional lability, easing of ability to acquire knowledge, decrease a libido, a depression, a disorientation, hypersalivation, signs of a catarrh of upper respiratory tracts, locks, a loss of appetite, an abdominal pain, muscular pains, a frequent urination, disturbances of a menstrual cycle, eritro-, trombo-and a leykotsitopeniya, increase in concentration in blood of an alkaline phosphatase and transaminases, skin allergic manifestations, paradoxical reactions, including sleeplessness and excitement (demand therapy cancellation).

Special instructions

Prolonged use of Clonazepam can lead to weakening of its action.

During therapy and on an extent of 3 days after its termination it is not necessary to take alcoholic drinks.

At treatment cancellation the dose is reduced gradually as the sharp termination of administration of drug (especially after a long course) can lead to development of psychophysical dependence and developing of an abstinence syndrome.

It is impossible to manage motor transport and to carry out service of moving mechanical devices during therapy.

Medicinal interaction

The effect of Clonazepam is strengthened by neuroleptics, barbiturates, antidepressants, antikonvulsant, the alcohol, narcotic analgetics, means reducing a tone of skeletal muscles.

Weakening of effect of drug is observed at simultaneous use with nicotine.

Simultaneous use with alcohol can lead to development of the paradoxical reactions which are shown as an agressive behavior or psychomotor excitement the condition of pathological intoxication is possible.

Terms and storage conditions

To store in protected from light, the place, dry, unavailable to children, at a temperature up to 25 °C.

Period of validity – 3 years.