Chlordiazepoxide
Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Benzodiazepine
Indications
Short-term treatment of anxiety that is severe or disabling occurring alone or with insomnia. Symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.
Dosage
Adults: Anxiety: Up to 30 mg daily in divided doses; max 100 mg daily. Insomnia: 10-30 mg at bedtime. Alcohol withdrawal: 25-100 mg repeated if necessary in 2-4 hr. Elderly: Initially 5 mg daily. Children: Not recommended.
Adverse Effects
Drowsiness, unsteadiness, ataxia, confusion, vertigo, GI upset, visual disturbance, rash, impaired alertness and dexterity, headache, urinary pretension, changes in libido. Rarely blood disorders, jaundice, abnormal psychological reactions. Dependence.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Acute pulmonary insufficiency, respiratory depression, phobic or obsessional states, chronic psychosis. Not recommended as monotherapy to treat depression or anxiety associated with depression. Precautions: Chronic pulmonary insufficiency, chronic renal or hepatic impairment. History of drug or alcohol abuse. Personality disorders. Elderly, Avoid long-term use. Withdraw gradually.
Interactions
Alcohol, CNS depressants, anticonvulsants, CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (e.g. cimetidine, rifampicin).
Advice to Patient
Take with or without meals. Contact prescriber if there is increased sleepiness, depression, confusion, euphoria, muscle cramps, weakness, tremors or rigidity, change in gait, fast heartbeat, chest pain or palpitations or if there is worsening of condition. Do not take prescription medications or OTC medications especially pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, hypnotics during therapy without consulting prescriber. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. On start of therapy and change of dosage, patient should be closely watched for suicidal tendency by family or caregiver.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: IV: 1-5 mins. IM: 15-30 mins. Duration: IV: 15-60 mins. Absorption: Oral: Almost complete through the GI tract. IM: Slow and erratic. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 5-30 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 1-2 hrs. Excretion: Urine.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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