Clonazepam
Also known as: Klonopin, Antelepsin, Clonagin, Clonapam, Clonax, Clonex, Diocam, Epitril, Iktorivil, Kenoket, Kriadex, Neuryl, Paxam, Rivatril, Rivotril, Solfidin, Linotril
- **Consistency is Key:** A major factor in anticonvulsant therapy failure is a lack of compliance. It is very important to give doses regularly at the prescribed times. - **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Never stop this medication suddenly without your veterinarian's guidance. Abrupt withdrawal can trigger severe, life-threatening continuous seizures (status epilepticus). If the medication needs to be stopped, your vet will provide a tapering schedule. - **Side Effects:** Mild sleepiness and clumsiness are common when starting the medication but often improve. If your pet becomes unusually hyperactive or agitated, contact your vet. - **Cat Owners:** Watch your cat closely for a lack of appetite, vomiting, or yellowing of the whites of the eyes or gums (jaundice). These can be signs of a rare but serious liver issue. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice these signs.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Anxiolytic
- Anxiolytic
- Anxiolytic
- Adjunctive medication in the treatment of seizures
- Adjunctive medication in the treatment of seizures
- Anxiolytic / Hyperaesthesia / Epilepsy
- Adjunctive medication in the treatment of seizures
- Adjunctive medication in the treatment of seizures
- Anxiolytic
- Anxiolytic
- Muscular hypertonicity (episodic falling) / Anxiolytic
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation and lethargy
- Ataxia (incoordination)
- Paradoxical excitement, hyperactivity, or vocalization
- Increased salivation
- Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
- Dogs: Rapid tolerance to anticonvulsant effects
- Cats: Polyphagia, potential for acute hepatic necrosis (rare)
- Sedation
- Respiratory suppression (at higher doses)
- Ataxia
- Acute hepatic necrosis (idiosyncratic in cats)
- Tolerance development
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to clonazepam or other benzodiazepines
- Significant liver disease or dysfunction
- Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
- Myasthenia gravis (may exacerbate weakness)
- Marked CNS depression
- Respiratory depression
- Severe muscle weakness
- Hepatic impairment (may worsen hepatic encephalopathy)
- Acute narrow angle glaucoma
- Do not discontinue therapy abruptly, especially in patients on chronic or high-dose therapy, as this may precipitate withdrawal signs or status epilepticus; taper the dose gradually. Use with caution in nursing dams, as benzodiazepines can enter milk and accumulate to toxic levels in neonates. Monitor cats closely for signs of hepatotoxicity.
Drug interactions
- Azole Antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole): May increase clonazepam levels by inhibiting its metabolism.
- Cimetidine: May decrease the metabolism of benzodiazepines, increasing their effects.
- CNS Depressants (barbiturates, narcotics, anesthetics): Additive CNS depression; may cause profound sedation or respiratory depression.
- Erythromycin: May decrease the metabolism of benzodiazepines.
- Phenobarbital: May decrease clonazepam concentrations via hepatic enzyme induction.
- Phenytoin: May decrease clonazepam concentrations.
- Propantheline: May decrease clonazepam concentrations.
- Rifampin: May induce hepatic microsomal enzymes and decrease the pharmacologic effects of benzodiazepines.
- Antifungal imidazoles (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole): Inhibition of CYP450 enzymes may decrease clonazepam clearance, increasing its plasma levels and risk of toxicity.
- Other CNS Depressants: Additive sedation and respiratory depression.
Frequently asked questions
What is Clonazepam used for in pets?
- **Consistency is Key:** A major factor in anticonvulsant therapy failure is a lack of compliance. It is very important to give doses regularly at the prescribed times. - **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Never stop this medication suddenly without your veterinarian's guidance. Abrupt withdrawal can trigger severe, life-threatening continuous seizures (status epilepticus). If the medication needs to be stopped, your vet will provide a tapering schedule. - **Side Effects:** Mild sleepiness and clumsiness are common when starting the medication but often improve. If your pet becomes unusually hyperactive or agitated, contact your vet. - **Cat Owners:** Watch your cat closely for a lack of appetite, vomiting, or yellowing of the whites of the eyes or gums (jaundice). These can be signs of a rare but serious liver issue. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice these signs.
Is Clonazepam safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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