Clorazepatedosage

For the Symptomatic Relief of Anxiety Clorazepate dipotassium tablets are administered orally in divided doses. The usual daily dose is 30 mg. The dose should be adjusted gradually within the range of 15 to 60 mg daily in accordance with the response of the patient. In elderly or debilitated patients it is advisable to initiate treatment at a daily dose of 7.5 to 15 mg. Clorazepate dipotassium tablets may also be administered in a single dose daily at bedtime; the recommended initial dose is 15 mg. After the initial dose, the response of the patient may require adjustment of subsequent dosage. Lower doses may be indicated in the elderly patient. Drowsiness may occur at the initiation of treatment and with dosage increment. For the Symptomatic Relief of Acute Alcohol Withdrawal The following dosage schedule is recommended: 1st 24 hours (Day 1) 30 mg initially; followed by 30 to 60 mg in divided doses 2nd 24 hours (Day 2) 45 to 90 mg in divided doses 3rd 24 hours (Day 3) 22.5 to 45 mg in divided doses Day 4 15 to 30 mg in divided doses Thereafter, gradually reduce the daily dose to 7.5 to 15 mg. Discontinue drug therapy as soon as patient's condition is stable. The maximum recommended total daily dose is 90 mg. Avoid excessive reductions in the total amount of drug administered on successive days. As an Adjunct to Antiepileptic Drugs In order to minimize drowsiness, the recommended initial dosages and dosage increments should not be exceeded. Adults The maximum recommended initial dose in patients over 12 years old is 7.5 mg three times a day. Dosage should be increased by no more than 7.5 mg every week and should not exceed 90 mg/day. Children (9 to 12 years) The maximum recommended initial dose is 7.5 mg two times a day. Dosage should be increased by no more than 7.5 mg every week and should not exceed 60 mg/day. Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of Clorazepate Dipotassium To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue clorazepate dipotassium or reduce the dosage. If a patient develops withdrawal reactions, consider pausing the taper or increasing the dosage to the previous tapered dosage level. Subsequently decrease the dosage more slowly (see WARNINGS and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE ).