CLOBABERG
CLOBAZAM BP
What it does
Clobazam is a medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class, commonly used to treat seizures and anxiety.
Commonly used for: seizures (epilepsy), anxiety
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:14:09 · updated 2026-08-03 04:14:29
Drug Interactions
48Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Clobazam appears in TABLE 11: Drugs with CNS depressant effects
Severe (9)
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Cobicistat moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Ritonavir is predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (diazepam, flurazepam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Idelalisib moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Lorlatinib moderately decreases the exposure to benzodiazepines (midazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Lumacaftor is predicted to decrease the exposure to benzodiazepines (midazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Clarithromycin moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Etravirine is predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (diazepam). Avoid.
Benzodiazepines - affects effects
Efavirenzispredictedtoaltertheeffectsofbenzodiazepines (midazolam).Avoid.oTheoretical
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Ribociclib moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (midazolam). Avoid.
Moderate (19)
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Miconazole is predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam). Use with caution and adjust dose.
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Monoclonal antibodies (tocilizumab) are predicted to decrease the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam). Monitor and adjust dose.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Berotralstat moderately increases the exposure to benzodiazepines (midazolam). Monitor and adjust dose.
Benzodiazepines - increases concentration
Cenobamate might increase the concentration of benzodiazepines (clobazam). Monitor and adjust dose. Also see TABLE 11 p. 1519.
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Cenobamatemoderatelydecreasestheexposureto benzodiazepines(midazolam).Adjustdose.oStudy → AlsoseeTABLE11p.1519
Unknown (20)
Benzodiazepines - decreases exposure
Apalutamide is predicted to decrease the exposure to benzodiazepines (diazepam). Avoid or monitor.
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Dronedarone is predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam).
Benzodiazepines - increases concentration
Stiripentol increases the concentration of benzodiazepines (clobazam).
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Antifungals, azoles (fluconazole, isavuconazole, posaconazole) are predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam).
Benzodiazepines - increases exposure
Bulevirtideslightlyincreasestheexposuretobenzodiazepines (midazolam).oTheoretical
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: class
About this medicine
Clobazam is a medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class, commonly used to treat seizures and anxiety.
What it treats
- seizures (epilepsy)
- anxiety
How it works
Clobazam works by calming the brain and nervous system, which helps reduce seizures and anxiety.
Who it's for
Clobazam is for people experiencing seizures or anxiety disorders.
Drug class
Benzodiazepines
Cautions
- • Be careful when taking other medications that can also cause drowsiness or sedation.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Clobazam
BNF-referencedClobazam is a 1,5-benzodiazepine used primarily in the management of epilepsy and anxiety disorders. It is recognized for its ability to enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, leading to increased inhibitory effects on neuronal excitability. This drug is particularly valuable in treating conditions characterized by excessive neuronal firing.
Indications
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety disorders (short-term use)
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information tailored to pediatric patients.
Adults: 20–30 mg daily in divided doses, with gradual increases based on clinical response and severity of anxiety if necessary.
Mechanism of action
Clobazam binds to the benzodiazepine site on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor, specifically at the interface of the α<sub>2</sub> and γ<sub>2</sub> subunits. This binding potentiates GABAergic neurotransmission, causing chloride channels to open, resulting in hyperpolarization of neurons. The increased chloride conductance raises the action potential threshold, thus decreasing the firing frequency of neurons.
Pharmacodynamics
As a benzodiazepine, clobazam enhances GABAergic transmission, leading to depression of central nervous system (CNS) activity. Its effects include increased neuronal excitability thresholds and reduced frequency of neuron firing, making it effective in conditions related to excessive excitatory activity. Clobazam does not significantly prolong the QTc interval at therapeutic doses, indicating its cardiovascular safety profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Clobazam is well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 1 to 4 hours. It has a half-life that allows for once or twice daily dosing. The drug undergoes hepatic metabolism, primarily via CYP enzymes, and metabolites may have therapeutic activity. Renal impairment may necessitate caution and potential dose adjustments, while hepatic impairment can also affect drug clearance.
Contra-indications
- Respiratory depression
- Severe cutaneous adverse reactions
- Organic brain changes
- Muscle weakness
Adverse effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Apathy
- Ataxia
- Nausea
- Visual impairment
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Dependence with prolonged use
- Personality change
- Psychotic disorder
- Abnormal gait
- Movement disorders
- Libido loss
Interactions
- Cenobamate (moderate - increases concentration)
- Moclobemide (moderate - increases exposure)
- Cannabidiol (moderate - increases exposure)
- Stiripentol (unknown - increases concentration)
Precautions
- Use with caution in hepatic impairment
- Use with caution in renal impairment
- Monitor plasma concentrations in patients with severe anxiety or those on long-term treatment
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal to prevent dependence
- May cause drowsiness, impairing the ability to drive or perform skilled tasks
- Care must be taken to avoid confusion with clonazepam
Pregnancy
Clobazam should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, due to potential risks to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Benzodiazepines are present in breast milk, and clobazam should be avoided if possible during breastfeeding. If used, infants should be monitored for sedation and feeding difficulties.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets: 50 mg
- Oral suspension: 25 mg per 1 ml
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Clobazam
PubChem CID 2789Molecular formula: C16H13ClN2O2
Mechanism of action
The exact mechanism of action for clobazam, a 1,5-benzodiazepine, is not fully understood but is thought to involve the potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission resulting from binding at the benzodiazepine site of the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor. Specifically, clobazam binds to the interface of the α<sub>2</sub> and γ<sub>2</sub>-subunit of the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor. It has a great affinity for the α<sub>2</sub> subunit than the α<sub>1</sub> subunit compared to other 1,4‐benzodiazepines.Binding of clobazam to the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor causes chloride channels to open, resulting in an influx of chloride and thus hyperpolarization of neurons.
Pharmacodynamics
Clobazam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Clobazam acts on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor to increase GABAnergic transmission, particularly chloride conductance in neurons. This causes neuronal hyperpolarization, resulting in an increase in the action potential threshold and reducing neuron firing frequency. Consequently, the general neuronal activity of the central nervous system is depressed; therefore, clobazam can be used to treat diseases caused by excessive excitatory action potentials. The effect of clobazam 20 mg and 80 mg administered twice daily on QTc interval was evaluated in a randomized, evaluator-blinded, placebo-, and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) parallel thorough QT study in 280 healthy subjects. In a study with demonstrated ability to detect small effects, the upper bound of the one-sided 95% confidence interval for the largest placebo-adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc based on the Fridericia correction method was below 10 ms, the threshold for regulatory concern. Thus, at a dose two times the maximum recommended dose, clobazam did not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
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The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.