Clonazepam

Clonazepam (Klonopin): Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Long-acting benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and anxiolytic properties.
• Enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), through binding at the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor.
• Affects glutamate decarboxylase activity.

Uses of Clonazepam

• Management of muscular hypertonicity (episodic falling) in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
• Anxiolytic for behavior modification in both cats and dogs and for hyperaesthesia in cats.
• It has been used to treat epilepsy in cats but more suitable medications are available, including phenobarbital, imepitoin, levetiracetam, and diazepam.

Dose of Clonazepam (Klonopin) in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

0.5 mg/kg p.o. q8–12h (suggested starting dose but there is a wide range of recommendations).

Cats:

0.5 mg/cat p.o. q12–24h (suggested starting dose but there is a wide range of recommendations).

Side Effects of Clonazepam in Dogs and Cats

• Generally mild; sedation and respiratory suppression at higher doses are the most important.
• In cats, potential adverse effects include acute hepatic necrosis, sedation, and ataxia.

Contraindications of Clonazepam in Dogs and Cats

• Avoid use in patients with marked CNS depression, respiratory depression, severe muscle weakness, or hepatic impairment (may worsen hepatic encephalopathy).
• Also contraindicated in patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

Some Notes:

• Tolerance may develop following prolonged therapy, with a reduction in clinical effect.
• Care is required when withdrawing clonazepam after prolonged therapy and the dose should be tapered off.
• Drugs that result in hepatic enzyme induction, e.g. phenobarbital and phenytoin, may accelerate the metabolism of clonazepam.
• Antifungal imidazoles may increase clonazepam levels.