Description:
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine. It has sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant properties. Its mechanism of action is believed to be related to its ability to enhance the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration.
Indications
Clonazepam (Oral) is indicated in:
- Anxiety disorders (Generalized, Phobic & Panic disorders)
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Labile arterial hypertension
- Peri and Post menopausal anxiety (Anxiety in middle aged women)
- Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Peri and Post menopausal anxiety (Anxiety in middle aged women)
- Postoperative anxiety disorder
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety in cancer patient (palliative treatment)
- Tension Headache
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS) or Wittmaack–Ekbom syndrome
- Nocturnal myoclonus
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Bipolar affective disorder
- Resistant depression
- Drug-induced dyskinesia
- Choreiform movement
- Fulgurant pain
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Epilespsy
Clonazepam (Injection) is indicated in:
- Epilepsy
- Status epilepticus
- Myoclonic seizure
- Typical and atypical absences (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)
- Infantile spasm
- Tonic-clonic seizure
- Partial seizure
- Absence seizure
- Focal seizure
Pharmacology
Clonazepam reduces the nerve transmission in the motor cortex which suppresses the spike and wave discharge in absence seizures. Its mechanism is believed to be related to its ability to enhance the activity of GABA. Clinically, it improves focal epilepsy and generalised seizures.
Interaction
Interactions have been reported between some benzodiazepines and other anticonvulsants, with changes in the serum concentration of the benzodiazepine or anticonvulsant.
Contraindications
Clonazepam should not be used in patients with a history of sensitivity to benzodiazepine, nor in patients with clinical or biochemical evidence of significant liver disease. It may be used in patients with open angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate therapy, but is contraindicated in acute narrow angle glaucoma.
Side Effects
The most frequently occurring adverse reactions to clonazepam are referable to CNS depression, drowsiness, ataxia. In some cases, these may diminish with time. Behaviour problems and salivation have been noted.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category is C. The use of clonazepam during pregnancy or lactation should be avoided. Clonazepam is excreted into the breast milk and should therefore be avoided in breast-feeding mothers.
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