Paxam

Generic Name: Clonazepam
Product Name: Paxam

Indication

Adjunctive treatment for epilepsy refractive to other antiepileptic drugs, in particular absence and myoclonic seizures, and infantile spasms
Acute treatment of status epilepticus

Action

Benzodiazepines potentiate the inhibitory effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA throughout the CNS, resulting in anxiolytic, sedative hypnotic, muscle relaxant and antiepileptic effects

Dose advice

Epilepsy:
Adult: initially oral 0.5-1mg at bedtime for 4 days, increase gradually over 2-4 weeks to 2-8mg daily in divided doses
Child: initially oral 0.01-0.03mg/kg in divided doses, increase gradually up to 0.1-0.2mg/kg daily
Status epilepticus:
Adult: 1mg by slow IV injection, repeated if necessary
Infant, child: 500mcg by slow IV injection

Schedule

Common side effects

Drowsiness
Over-sedation
Light-headedness
Memory loss
Ataxia
Slurred speech

Uncommon side effects

Headache
Vertigo
Hypotension
Disorientation
Confusion
Paradoxical excitation
Euphoria
Aggression and hostility
Anxiety
Decreased libido
Anterograde amnesia
Pain and thrombophlebitis with IV injection
Respiratory arrest with IV use