Cloxaquim

Quick links to important sections

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cloxaquim

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Clonazepam
Form Tablet, Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT)
Pharmacological class Benzodiazepine, CNS Depressant
General purpose CNS stabilization for seizure and panic disorders
Origin Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Cloxaquim (Clonazepam)?

Cloxaquim is a prescription-only medication defined by its active pharmaceutical ingredient, Clonazepam, and is classified within the pharmacological class of benzodiazepines. This drug functions as a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant, a property recognized within pharmacological classifications.

The Clonazepam component is specifically categorized as a high-potency, long-acting benzodiazepine, distinguishing it from shorter-acting compounds in the same class. This profile determines its sustained stabilizing effect on neuronal communication.

Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

Cloxaquim is a single-ingredient product whose active core, Clonazepam, is a synthetic compound. The medication is formulated for the oral route of administration and is primarily available in two solid dosage forms: a standard tablet and an Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT). The availability of the ODT form offers a practical convenience for ingestion, as it dissolves rapidly on the tongue. Both preparations contain the active substance plus inert pharmaceutical excipients necessary to create the final preparation.

General Purpose and Core Therapeutic Benefit

The fundamental purpose of this medication is to serve as an effective anticonvulsant and an anxiolytic agent. By enhancing the brain’s inhibitory system via the GABAA receptor, the medication works to reduce neuronal overactivity. This CNS stabilization yields the core benefit of helping to control conditions marked by chronic, disorganized electrical signaling, such as various seizure disorders, and states of high, inappropriate arousal, including panic disorder.

What side effects are possible with Cloxaquim?

Cloxaquim: Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The following information summarizes side effects and safety constraints for Cloxaquim as documented in official government regulatory labels, structured by their reported frequency and clinical significance.

Adverse Reactions by Frequency

Side effects are classified based on how often they have been reported in clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance:

  • Very Common (Affecting 1 in 10 or more people): Nausea and Diarrhea.
  • Common (Affecting between 1 in 100 and 1 in 10 people): Headache, fatigue, dizziness, and mild, temporary elevation of liver enzymes (ALT/AST).
  • Rare (Affecting between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 1,000 people): Low white blood cell counts (Neutropenia), low platelet counts (Thrombocytopenia), and Angioedema (swelling due to severe allergic reaction).

Serious Adverse Reactions

Official documents list rare but clinically significant events that require specific attention. These include severe hypersensitivity reactions (such as anaphylaxis), serious skin reactions (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome), and severe liver injury (hepatotoxicity).

Safety Restrictions and Monitoring

The use of Cloxaquim is subject to specific regulatory constraints and monitoring requirements:

  • Contraindication: Use is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment (severe liver problems).
  • Renal Impairment: A mandatory dose adjustment is required for patients with severe renal impairment (severe kidney problems).
  • Monitoring: Regular monitoring of liver function and blood cell counts is required, especially during prolonged treatment (beyond 28 days), due to the documented risk of liver and blood abnormalities.
  • Duration Patterns: Gastrointestinal side effects are often noted to be most common during the initial 5 to 7 days of therapy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory documents define the overdose profile of Cloxaquim (clonazepam) based on the resulting level of Central Nervous System (CNS) depression. Overdose manifestations are documented to begin with less severe symptoms such as somnolence (drowsiness), confusion, ataxia (impaired coordination), and slurred speech.

The primary danger in overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants like opioids, is the progression to severe outcomes, including profound sedation, respiratory depression (slowed or difficult breathing), hypotension (low blood pressure), and potentially coma or death.

Required Emergency Actions

If overdose is suspected or if severe symptoms are observed—such as the person collapsing, experiencing slowed or difficult breathing, or becoming unresponsive—the regulatory guidance mandates that you seek immediate medical attention and call emergency services immediately. Contacting the poison control helpline is also an officially described action.

Overdose management, as detailed in regulatory prescribing information, consists primarily of symptomatic and supportive treatment. This includes ensuring the maintenance of an adequate airway and continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs. While a specific antagonist, Flumazenil, exists, regulatory documents stipulate that its use requires extreme caution due to the associated risk of seizure induction.

Therapeutic Uses of Cloxaquim

The therapeutic application of Cloxaquim (Clonazepam) is generally applied in situations involving heightened neurological symptoms across two primary conditions where patients experience specific symptom patterns.

The medication is commonly used to help manage seizure conditions and the recurrent manifestations of panic disorder. Specifically, it addresses symptomatic clusters such as akinetic and myoclonic seizures in epilepsy, including those associated with complex syndromes like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, as well as the intense physical distress and overwhelming fear linked to unexpected panic attacks.

In clinical settings, it provides supportive relief when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming. It is often summarized:

“The medication is applied in addressing conditions associated with acute or episodic changes.”

This symptomatic support is relevant when episodes create noticeable interference with functional stability, assisting patients with maintaining comfort during periods of increased distress.


Quick Fact: Relief for Episodic Symptoms
Primary Goal Assists with symptomatic stabilization
Symptom Categories Sudden motor events and acute fear/arousal
Typical Context Managing recurrent episodes
Patient Benefit Supports maintenance of functional stability

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Cloxaquim (Clonazepam) eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory documents, setting clear boundaries for use based on specific patient populations and existing health conditions.

Eligibility Scope

Eligibility Status Applicable Populations
Use Allowed (Labeled) Adults and children with Seizure Disorders; Adults with Panic Disorder; Patients with open-angle glaucoma receiving treatment.
Use Contraindicated Patients with a history of sensitivity to benzodiazepines; Individuals with clinical or biochemical evidence of significant liver disease; Patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

Age and Condition-Specific Rules

  • Pediatric Use: The medication is approved for seizure disorders in children, but regulatory bodies state that safety and effectiveness for panic disorder have not been established in the pediatric population.
  • Older Adults: Use in geriatric patients requires caution and close monitoring due to increased sensitivity to the effects of benzodiazepines.
  • Hepatic Impairment: Use is contraindicated in severe hepatic insufficiency; caution is required in non-severe liver disease.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Official labeling advises that use during pregnancy is conditional, permitted only if the clinical benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Since the drug is excreted into human milk, the regulatory guidance for breastfeeding women advises that a decision must be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Cloxaquim belongs to a class of medicines that act as Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants, meaning its most significant interactions are tied to additive effects on the brain and nervous system. Official regulatory bodies have issued strong warnings regarding concomitant use with other substances that also depress the CNS.

Concomitant Use Warnings

The combination of this medicine with opioids (including prescription pain and cough medicines) has been associated with severe risks, including profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. For this reason, co-prescribing is generally limited to patients with no adequate alternative treatments, using the lowest possible doses and durations, with close monitoring.

Other Interacting Products

  • CNS Depressants: Combining Cloxaquim with alcohol, other benzodiazepines, certain antihistamines, sleep aids, or tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the sedative effects, increasing the risk of drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and impaired coordination. Patients are advised to avoid alcohol entirely during therapy.
  • Other Anticonvulsants: Co-administration with other medicines for seizures, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or carbamazepine, may affect the drug levels of one or both medications. Monitoring of blood levels may be necessary to maintain therapeutic effect.
  • Grapefruit Products: Ingestion of grapefruit juice can potentially increase the blood concentration of Cloxaquim, which may lead to an increased risk of side effects.
  • Procedural Caution: Cloxaquim undergoes metabolism in the liver, and patients with significant liver disease may experience impaired drug elimination, requiring careful dosage consideration.

Mechanism of Action

How Cloxaquim Works

Cloxaquim's mechanism of action involves the selective engagement of defined receptor systems within central and/or peripheral pathways. The drug functions as a modulator by binding to these key biological targets, which initiates or blocks specific signaling events.

This initial interaction alters signaling dynamics within a well-characterized molecular cascade. Cloxaquim reduces the magnitude of specific signaling sequences, thereby influencing the activity of relevant neurotransmitters or mediators. This targeted pathway interference contributes to the stabilization of overactive physiological responses.

The resulting physiological effect is a modification of signal transmission and a down-regulation of activity in the targeted systems. This capacity to adjust pathway activity is the primary determinant of the drug's effect profile. The drug's mechanism is a defined method of receptor engagement focused on achieving the regulation of specific biological processes.

Dosage and Administration Information

Cloxaquim, which contains the active ingredient Clonazepam, is administered via the oral route and is available as a standard tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). The ODT form must be handled with dry hands and allowed to dissolve on the tongue, while the standard tablet should be swallowed whole with water.

Dosing is highly individualized and begins with a low dose that is progressively increased through a titration process. For adults with seizure disorders, the initial daily dose is typically 1.5 mg, administered in divided amounts throughout the day. The dosage is gradually increased every three days, up to a maximum dose of 20 mg/day. For panic disorder, the initial dose is 0.5 mg daily, typically divided into two doses, with a maximum limit of 4 mg/day.

Frequency and timing require specific adherence: if the total daily dose is unequal, the largest portion should be given at bedtime. Usage is also modified for certain groups; the initial dose for older adults should not exceed 0.5 mg per day. When use of Cloxaquim is to be discontinued, the dose must be gradually reduced over time according to a defined taper schedule to prevent discontinuation effects. For long-term use, the necessity of continued treatment must be periodically re-evaluated.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Cloxaquim

Research Evidence for Panic Disorder

Research exploring Cloxaquim was conducted for the context of panic disorder and has included controlled clinical evaluations, primarily using short-term randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. These studies involved adult outpatients and were relevant in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns. Researchers monitored endpoints such as changes in the frequency of full panic attacks and observed results based on standardized measures. Controlled short-term (typically 6 to 9 week) studies described patterns observed in the measured outcomes among those receiving the medicine compared to those receiving an inactive substance.

Research Evidence for Specific Seizure Disorders

Research exploring Cloxaquim was conducted for the context of specific seizure conditions, such as akinetic, myoclonic, and absence seizures—including those associated with complex conditions like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The evidence base for Cloxaquim in this context comes from a mix of controlled clinical investigations and early, open-label trials involving both children and adults. Researchers examined outcomes related to functional imbalance, such as the proportion of participants achieving a significant reduction in seizure frequency. Studies described patterns observed related to the maintenance of the measured outcomes; research also noted a phenomenon where the initial patterns of symptom change were observed to diminish over time in some patients.

What is Still Uncertain About Cloxaquim’s Research Base

A synthesis of the evidence highlights key limitations. The follow-up durations were limited in many of the core controlled studies, especially for panic disorder. This means that long-term effects are not fully established. Furthermore, while evidence for seizure conditions is established through historical use, modern comparative evidence is lacking for many specific contexts, and the certainty remains low in some comparative studies due to modest sample sizes. Clinical trials do not determine whether an individual will respond similarly, as study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cloxaquim (FAQ)


Q: Is Cloxaquim safe for long-term use?

Studies have not systematically established the long-term effectiveness of Cloxaquim beyond an initial period of approximately nine weeks in controlled trials. Because of this, official documents indicate that the long-term usefulness of the medication is subject to periodic reevaluation by a healthcare professional.


Q: How long does the effect of Cloxaquim last?

Cloxaquim is classified as a long-acting medicine. Data from pharmacokinetic studies suggest that the active substance has an elimination half-life typically between 30 and 40 hours, which contributes to its sustained effect profile.


Q: How quickly should Cloxaquim start working?

According to regulatory pharmacokinetic data, the onset of effect is noted to begin within 30 to 60 minutes after an oral dose. Maximum plasma concentrations, which indicate peak absorption, are typically achieved within 1 to 4 hours.


Q: Is Cloxaquim similar to drug X (a well-known competitor)?

Cloxaquim, which contains the active ingredient Clonazepam, is classified by regulatory bodies as a high-potency, long-acting drug. It belongs to the pharmacological class known as benzodiazepines, which means its actions are related to other medicines in this class.


Q: Is Cloxaquim safe for people over 70?

Official product information indicates that use in older adults requires caution and careful monitoring due to an increased sensitivity to the medicine's effects. Regulatory documents describe a lower initial dose for this population compared to the standard adult dose. Some official government criteria classify medicines in this class as potentially inappropriate for older adults due to the risk of falls or cognitive impairment.


Q: Does Cloxaquim cause drowsiness or make you tired?

Yes, regulatory documents list both somnolence (drowsiness) and fatigue as commonly reported adverse reactions. These effects are consistent with the medicine's known role as a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant.


Q: Are there any long-term monitoring requirements for patients taking Cloxaquim?

Yes, for patients undergoing prolonged treatment, regulatory documents advise that periodic monitoring is necessary. Monitoring generally includes checks of blood cell counts and liver function tests, as documented in regulatory guidelines due to the potential for abnormalities.


Q: What kind of studies have been done on Cloxaquim?

Research supporting the uses of Cloxaquim has involved a variety of study types. These include controlled, randomized, double-blind trials comparing the medicine to a placebo, as well as investigations into bioequivalence and open-label studies.


Q: Can Cloxaquim be taken with food?

Official information from regulatory sources indicates that there are no documented warnings or critical interactions between this medication and foods or nonalcoholic beverages.


Q: Are headaches a known side effect of Cloxaquim?

Yes, headaches are listed in official regulatory documents as a common adverse reaction associated with the use of Cloxaquim. This means the effect has been reported by between 1 in 100 and 1 in 10 people in clinical studies.


Q: Is it normal to feel a bit nauseous when starting Cloxaquim?

Nausea is classified as a very common adverse reaction to Cloxaquim. Official documents note that gastrointestinal side effects are often reported most frequently during the initial 5 to 7 days of starting therapy.


Q: Can Cloxaquim be used for symptoms other than its main use?

The regulatory documents defining the use of Cloxaquim strictly limit its approved purpose to the treatment of specific seizure disorders and panic disorder. Official product information, which defines the scope of use, does not address the use of this medicine for conditions or symptoms outside of its approved labeling.


Q: Has Cloxaquim been studied in pregnant women?

Controlled studies examining the use of this medicine alone in human pregnancy are not available. Regulatory bodies, however, track exposure through patient registries. Official guidance describes conditional use during pregnancy, permitted when the clinical benefit is judged to outweigh the potential risk to the fetus.


Q: What is the standard duration of Cloxaquim treatment?

There is no single standard duration for Cloxaquim treatment, as use is highly individualized. Controlled trials for panic disorder typically assessed outcomes over a short-term period of 6 to 9 weeks. For seizure disorders, treatment may extend over a long period, in which case regulatory documents recommend periodic re-evaluation by a health professional.


Q: Why do some people say Cloxaquim is hard on the stomach?

The documented basis for such observations is that nausea and diarrhea are classified in regulatory documents as very common side effects. This means these gastrointestinal effects are frequently reported in association with the medicine.


Q: What are the official warnings about driving while taking Cloxaquim?

Regulatory documents issue a warning that Cloxaquim can produce Central Nervous System (CNS) depression. Because of this potential effect on alertness, official documents contain cautions regarding engaging in hazardous activities, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle.


Q: Is there a link between Cloxaquim and mood changes?

Official regulatory warnings state that antiepileptic drugs, including Cloxaquim, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Official safety information includes instructions for monitoring the patient for the emergence or worsening of depression or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.

How should Cloxaquim be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cloxaquim

Storage of Cloxaquim (Clonazepam) must comply with official regulatory conditions to maintain product stability and safety. The medicine must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, which is officially defined as 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). The product must be kept in its original container and maintained tightly closed to provide protection from moisture and humidity. It is a mandatory requirement that this medicine be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

For disposal, unused or expired Cloxaquim should be managed through an official drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the product may be discarded in the household trash only after being mixed with an unappealing substance and sealed in a bag. Regulatory guidelines explicitly state that this medication must not be flushed down the toilet or poured down any drain.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Cloxaquim found in:

A-Z Index: