What is chlordiazepoxide, and what is it used for?
Chlordiazepoxide is a psychotropic agent that is used to manage symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. It is a long acting benzodiazepine that is available for oral administration. Examples of other members of the benzodiazepine include:
Chlordiazepoxide has anti-anxiety, sedative, appetite-stimulating, and weak pain relieving properties. The exact mechanism of how chlordiazepoxide provides therapeutic benefits is not yet understood. However, current understanding of benzodiazepines indicates that they enhance or increase the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, a chemical that cells in the brain use to suppress the activity of other cells.
Chlordiazepoxide was initially approved by the US FDA in 1960. The injectable formulation of chlordiazepoxide is no longer available in the US.
What brand names are available for chlordiazepoxide?
Is chlordiazepoxide available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for chlordiazepoxide?
Yes
What are the side effects of chlordiazepoxide?
Reported side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired muscle control (ataxia)
- Skin problems
- Minor
menstrual irregularities - Movement disorders
- Decreased desire for sexual activity (decreased libido).
Serious side effects that have been reported are:
- Blood disorders
-
Liver dysfunction
What is the dosage for chlordiazepoxide?
Adults
- For the treatment of mild to moderate anxiety disorders or symptoms: 5 to 10
mg by mouth 3-4 times daily. - For the treatment of severe anxiety disorders or symptoms: 20 to 25 mg by
mouth 3-4 times daily. - For the management of preoperative apprehension and anxiety: 5 to 10 mg by
mouth 3-4 times daily on days preceding surgery.
Dosing: Pediatrics
- For the treatment of anxiety symptoms in children = 6 years to adolescents
the usual daily recommended dose is 5 mg 2-4 times daily. - Dosage may be
increased to 10 mg per day given in 2-3 divided doses if necessary. - Chlordiazepoxide is not recommended for use in children below the age of 6
years.
Dosing: Geriatric patients
- The usual recommended dose is 5 mg 2 to 4 times
daily.
QUESTION
Panic attacks are repeated attacks of fear that can last for several minutes.
See Answer
Which drugs or supplements interact with chlordiazepoxide?
Chlordiazepoxide is metabolized or broken down by a group of enzymes in the
liver known as the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes. Drugs which inhibit these
enzymes reduce the metabolism of chlordiazepoxide and have the potential for
causing side effects.
Examples of CYP3A4 inhibitors are:
- amiodarone (Cordarone)
- Anti-retroviral protease inhibitors (some types of
anti-HIV medications)
- itraconazole (Sporanox)
- ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- voriconazole (Vfend)
-
miconazole
(Monistat) - cimetidine (Tagamet)
- clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Additionally, inducers of the CYP 3A4 enzymes may increase the activity of
these enzymes and cause blood levels of chlordiazepoxide to decrease.
Examples
of CYP 3A4 inducers are:
- carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- rifampin (Rimactane)
- phenytoin (Dilantin)
- St. John’s Wort
Chlordiazepoxide has depressant effects on the central nervous system.
Medications which have similar activity may increase the risk for drowsiness,
respiratory depression, and other CNS depressant effects. Therefore,
co-administration with alcohol,
kava-kava, other benzodiazepines, and opiates
should generally be avoided.
Is chlordiazepoxide safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Chlordiazepoxide is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category D.
Due to the risk of potential harm to the fetus, use of chlordiazepoxide during
pregnancy is not recommended.
This medication is thought to be excreted into breast milk.
Due to the lack of conclusive safety data, use in nursing mothers is not
recommended.
What else should I know about chlordiazepoxide?
What preparations of chlordiazepoxide are available?
Oral capsules: 5, 10, and 25 mg
How should I keep chlordiazepoxide stored?
Capsules should be stored at room temperature, between 20 C to 25 C
(68 F to 77 F).