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Antiepileptic — 1,5-Benzodiazepine

Clobazam

Brand names: Frisium, Onfi

Clobazam is a benzodiazepine used as add-on (adjunctive) treatment in epilepsy.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

For doses above 5 mg/day administer in two divided doses ( 2.1 ) Patients ≤30 kg body weight: Initiate at 5 mg daily and titrate as tolerated up to 20 mg daily ( 2.1 ) Patients greater than 30 kg body weight: Initiate at 10 mg daily and titrate as tolerated up to 40 mg daily ( 2.1 ) Dosage adjustment needed in following groups: o Geriatric patients ( 2.4 , 8.5 ) o Known CYP2C19 poor metabolizers ( 2.5 ) o Mild or moderate hepatic impairment; no information for severe hepatic impairment ( 2.7 , 8.8 ) Measure prescribed amount of oral suspension using provided adapter and dosing syringe ( 2.3 ) Oral suspension: Can be taken with or without food ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosing Information A daily dose of …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-12-27. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It enhances the inhibitory action of GABA at GABA-A receptors, increasing chloride conductance and raising the seizure threshold.

Prescribing in practice

  • Profound respiratory depression and sedation can occur if combined with opioids or alcohol — avoid or use only with great caution.
  • Tolerance, dependence and sedation can develop, so it is generally intended for shorter-term or carefully reviewed use.
  • Do not stop abruptly — withdraw gradually to avoid rebound seizures and a withdrawal reaction.

Monitoring

Review ongoing need, sedation, and signs of tolerance or dependence; monitor for excessive drowsiness and respiratory depression, particularly with other CNS depressants.

Counselling the patient

  • Avoid alcohol and tell your prescriber about any opioid medicines because of the risk of dangerous sedation and slowed breathing.
  • Do not stop the medicine suddenly — this can trigger seizures and withdrawal effects.
  • Drowsiness is common and may affect driving and skilled tasks.

Evidence & guidelines

Licensed adjunctive antiepileptic; guideline-recognised add-on option (NICE NG217).

Reference: NICE NG217; Dravet Syndrome Foundation Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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