Drug Action Indication Contraindication Dosage Side Effects Nursing Responsibilities

Generic Name:Clonazepam

Brand Name:Klonopin

-Probably facilitates the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

-Lennox-Gaustat syndrome, atypical absence seizures, akinetic and mycolonic seizures.-Panic disorder-Acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder-Adjunct treatment for schizophrenia-Periodic leg movements during sleep-Parkinsonian dysarthria

-Use cautiously in patients with mixed type seizures because drug may cause generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

-Use cautiously in children and in patients with chronic respiratory disease or open-angle glaucoma.

-Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to benzodiazepines and in those with significant hepatic disease or acute angle closure glaucoma.

Adult:1.5 mg P.O daily in three divided doses.

Children:0.01 to 0.03 mg P.O daily in two or three divided doses.

-Drowsiness-Abnormal eye movements-Anorexia-Dysuria-Leukopenia-Shortness of breath-Skin rashes

-Watch for behavioral disturbances esp. in children.

-Don’t stop drug abruptly because this may worsen seizures. Call prescriber at once if adverse reactions develop.

-Assess elderly patient’s response closely.

-Monitor patient for oversedation.

-Monitor CBC and liver function tests.

-Withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of barbiturates