Clobazam

Parent or patient Information Leaflet

Dr. C. P. Ravi Kumar

Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
MRCPCH, CCT in Paediatrics (U.K.)
Fellow in Paediatric Epilepsy &
Neurology (London)

Clobazam is a drug used in the treatment of epilepsy to control different kinds of seizures, fits or convulsions like absences (vacant seizures), generalized tonic-clonic seizures, myoclonic seizures (jerks), atonic seizures, infantile spasms or partial seizures.

Generally, it is used as an add on drug in combination with another anti-epileptic drug.

(Please do not confuse clobazam with another medicine named CLONAZEPAM, which is also an anti-epileptic drug. Both the drugs have different indications of use, dosages vary and they cannot be replaced with one another without your doctor’s advice).

Why is clobazam important for my child to take this medicine?

It is important that your child takes Clobazam regularly so that they do not suffer from Seizures or fewer seizures.

Do not stop giving Clobazam suddenly, as your child may have more seizures.

“Generic Vs Branded Drugs”

What is Clobazam available as?

Clobazam is available in the preparation of Liquid medicine, Tablets, Mouth dissolvable tablets (meaning, just keeping it underneath the tongue, it dissolves quickly, useful in children who find swallowing difficult).

Brand names:
Tablet: Lobazam, Frisium, Lobazam MD
Syrup: Clobium (5mg in 5ml)

When should I give Clobazam?

Clobazam is usually started as a night-time. Sometimes, it is advised twice a day, morning and evening. Ideally, 10-12 hours apart.

For example, anytime between 7 to 8 am and right after 12 hours between 7 to 8 pm. You can adjust the time slot according to your schedule.

It should ideally be given at the same time every day to establish a routine as it minimizes the chances of missing a dose.

Short course of Clobazam:

Children who suffer from epilepsy are advised a short course of medication for 3 to 5 days to provide supplementary anti-epileptic effect. Please follow the course according to your doctor’s advice.

What if I miss a dose?

Tablets & liquids: The child can be given the missed dose, if you remember to give it within a lapse of 6 hours. If you fail to give the missed dose within 6 hours, then might as well leave it. It is advisable to wait until the time of next routine dose.

Never give a double dose of Clobazam.

If your child vomits out the content within 30 minutes of taking the medicine dosage then you can give the dose again; but if your child vomits after 30 minutes of taking the dose, then just leave it be and do not give it again.

How much of the drug should be given?

Your doctor will work out the accurate amount of clobazam (the dose) for your child and write the dosage in your prescription.

When you first start giving clobazam to your child, you are supposed to give them a small amount and then increase the dose little by little over a course of few days or weeks. This helps your child’s body to get use to the medicine. Your doctor will clarify what steps to take.

It is mandatory to follow the instructions given by your doctor about the dosage of medication.

Ultimately, when your child is free of seizures or convulsions (fits) and has no obvious side effects, you will know that the dosage is just correct.

How should I give the medicine? “Giving Medicines”

Tablets: A whole tablet must be swallowed with a glass of water, juice or milk. You may give it by crushing and mixing it in water/ juice or small serving of yogurt / Curd.

Liquid or syrup: Use an oral syringe or a medicine spoon to measure the adequate amount. You can easily get these from any pharmacy nearby.

Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the accurate amount of the drug.

Could this medication have any side effects on my child? “Side effects”

Although medicines are given to make children feel better, sometimes, they may cause some unwanted side effects.Please read information sheet on side effects.

Side-effects that you must do something about – Rare

• Drowsiness / sleepy.

• Drooling or excessive salivation.
• Irritable or being grumpy.
• Can impair liver function.

Rarely but shakiness or a fine tremor of the hands may be seen rarely, when high dose is given and disappears following a reduction in dosage. .

If your child develops Rash, Then Stop Medications and SEEK IMMEDIATE advice from a DOCTOR

Sometimes your child may experience other side-effects that are not listed above. If you notice any abnormalities with your child’s body or behavior, do not hesitate and immediately contact your doctor.

Despite these side effects, Clobazam has a very efficacy anti-epileptic (anticonvulsant) medicine.

Can other common medicines be given at the same time as Clobazam?

• Medications like ibuprofen, paracetamol, antibiotics or any of the other over the counter medicines can be given when necessary, except the ones your doctor has prohibited you from.

• Consult with your doctor before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal or complementary medicines.
• Some other medicines used to treat epilepsy may have an impact on how well Clobazam works or may cause side effects.If your child is experiencing more fits or seizures, or any other side effects after using other medications, talk to your doctor immediately.

Clobazam and pregnancy

• When used in pregnancy, there can be potential risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome and respiratory depression.

• Preferably, discuss with your neurologist and take a review of your medications before you conceive.

Where should I keep this medicine?

• Keep the medicine in a cupboard, secured away from heat and direct sunlight. It is not a must to keep the medicine in the refrigerator though.

• Make sure the medicine is out of your child’s reach.
• Store the medication in the same box it was packed in.

For more information please refer the manufacturer’s information leaflet.

References :

1. IAP Drug Formulary Web Update 2020(3) Edition 58, https://www.iapdrugformulary.com/Home
2. Consumer Medicines Information (CMI), https://www.tga.gov.au/consumer-medicines-information-cmi
3. British National Formulary for Children (BNFC)
4. Food and Drug Administration, USA https://www.fda.gov