Why has my veterinarian prescribed Clorazepate for my dog?
Clorazepate is used to relieve anxiety, as a hypnotic-sedative agent and as an anti-convulsant. In dogs, clorazepate is often administered with phenobarbital and used to help treat convulsions. Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine. This class of medicines is used to slow down the nervous system.
How do I give Clorazepate to my dog?
- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
- DO NOT give your dog more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
What do I do if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your dog two doses at once.
How do I store this medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
- Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
What are the potential side effects?
- The most common side effects include – drowsiness and failure of muscular co-ordination. These effects occur infrequently, are mild and usually pass with time.
- This medication should be used cautiously in dogs displaying fear-induced aggression.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Are there any possible drug interactions?
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- The following drugs can potentially interact with clorazepate: other CNS depressants, antacids, cimetidine, erythromycin, and rifampin.
- If your pet needs to take clorazepate and an antacid, administer the medicine two hours apart.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
