Benzodiazepine

Clonazepam

Brand names: Rivotril

Clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine used for certain seizure types and selected other indications.

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

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Clonazepam is available as a tablet. The tablets should be administered with water by swallowing the tablet whole. Seizure Disorders: The use of multiple anticonvulsants may result in an increase of CNS depressant adverse effects. This should be considered before adding clonazepam tablets to an existing anticonvulsant regimen. Adults: The initial dose for adults with seizure disorders should not exceed 1.5 mg/day divided into three doses. Dosage may be increased in increments of 0.5 mg to 1 mg every 3 days until seizures are adequately controlled or until side effects preclude any further increase. Maintenance dosage must be individualized for each patient …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2026-03-16. 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 the GABA-A receptor, increasing neuronal inhibition.

Prescribing in practice

Sedation, tolerance and dependence limit it — use the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate time.
Dangerous respiratory depression can occur with opioids or alcohol.
Do not stop it abruptly (risk of withdrawal seizures); it causes falls and confusion in older people.

Monitoring

Review the ongoing need regularly, along with sedation, mood and signs of dependence.

Counselling the patient

Do not stop it suddenly.
Avoid alcohol; it is dangerous combined with opioid painkillers.
It impairs driving and operating machinery.

Evidence & guidelines

Used for specific epilepsy indications and selected other uses, mindful of dependence (NICE NG217).

Reference: NICE NG217; 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).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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