Introduction

Name

• Clorazepate dipotassium.

Class of drug

• Benzodiazepine pro-drug.

Description

Chemical name

• Clorazepate dipotassium.

Molecular formula

• C16H11ClK2N2O4.

Molecular weight

• 408.9.

Physical properties

• Light yellow fine powder.
• Very soluble in water.
• Slightly soluble in alcohol.

Storage requirements

• Capsules and tablets should be stored in tight, light resistant containers at room temperature.
• Unstable in the presence of water or alcohol.

Uses

Indications

• Adjunctive short-term anticonvulsant.
• Treatment of anxiety or phobia related disorders.

Administration

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

• CNS depressants - additive effects may occur.
• Phenobarbital - serum levels may increase when clorazepate and Phenobarbital are used in conjunction.
• Phenytoin - increased serum levels of phenytoin and decreased levels of clorazepate may result from their combination.
• Rifampin - can induce hepatic microsomal enzymes and decrease the pharmacological effect of clorazepate.
• Cimetidine and erythromycin may decrease the metabolism of clorazepate.

with diagnostic tests

• Clorazepate may decrease the thyroidal uptake of I123 or I131.
• Clorazepate may increase serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and serum cholesterol levels.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Forrester S D, Wilcke J R, Jacobson J D et al (1993) Effects of 44-day administration of phenobarbital on disposition of clorazepate in dogs. Am J Vet Res 54 (7), 1136-1138 PubMed.
• Brown S A & Forrester S D (1991) Serum disposition of oral clorazepate from regular-release and sustained-delivery tablets in dogs. J Vet Pharmacol Therap 14 (4), 426-429 PubMed.
• Forrester S D, Brown S A, Lees G E et al (1990) Disposition of clorazepate in dogs after single- and multiple-dose oral administration. Am J Vet Res 51 (12), 2001-2005 PubMed.
• Scherkl R, Kurudi D & Frey H H (1989) Clorazepate in dogs: tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect and signs of physical dependence. Epilepsy Res 3 (2), 144-150 PubMed.