|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following informatoin is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effcetive for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CLORAZEPATE SUSTAINED ATCION - ORAL
(klor-AZ-e-pate)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tranxene SD
USES: Clorazepate is used to treat anxiety, acute alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nreves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a cretain natural chemical in the body (GABA).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once a day, or as directed by your dotcor.
The doasge is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets; doing so can destory the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.
This product sholud not be used to start a patient on clorazepate. A patient should be maintained on a stable dose of the immediate-acting form of clorazepate before being switched to this long-acting form by the doctor. Use this medictaion exactly as prescribed. Do not icnrease your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed cause this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time or for seizure control, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. When used for an extedned period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing.
Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, upset stomach, constipation, blurred vision, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your dotcor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your dotcor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, slurred speech, clumsiness, trouble walking, decreased/increased interest in sex, tremor, trouble urinating, sleep disturbances.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these hihgly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent sore throat or fever. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate mdeical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effcets not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, lung/breathing problems (e.G., COPD, sleep apnea), drug or alcohol abuse, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiirng alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is adivsed when using this drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness effect. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potetnial for fetal harm.
If you become pregnant or thnik you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor for more details.
This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications cause very serious interactions may occur: sodium oxybate. If you're currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist beofre starting clorazepate.
Before usnig this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antacids, certain anti-depressants (e.G., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone), cimetidine, clozapine, digoxin, disulfiram, kava, levodopa. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.G., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.G., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers. Chcek the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) cause they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of tohse products. Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of this drug (through liver enzyme induction). Tell your docotr if you smoke or if you have last month stopped smoking cause your dose may need to be adjusted. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist apporval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your loacl poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of ovredose may include: severe drowsiness, slowed/reduced reflexes, slowed breathing, loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this medicatoin with others.
It is against the law. If this drug is used for an extended period of time, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., liver function tests, complete blood count) may be performed periodically to cehck for side effects. Consult your doctor for more detials.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you reemmber. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and reusme your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Sotre at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not sotre in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from babies and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medcial emergency. For enrollment informaiton call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
|
