CLOBAZAM (Page 4 of 7)

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Clobazam is excreted in human milk. Postmarketing experience suggests that breastfed infants of mothers taking benzodiazepines, such as clobazam, may have effects of lethargy, somnolence and poor sucking. The effect of clobazam on milk production is unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for clobazam and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from clobazam or from the underlying maternal condition. If exposing a breastfed infant to clobazam, observe for any potential adverse effects.

Clinical Considerations

Monitoring for Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions such as somnolence and difficulty feeding have been reported in infants during breastfeeding in postmarketing experience with clobazam. Monitor breastfed infants for possible sedation and poor sucking.

Data

Scientific literature on clobazam use during lactation is limited. After short-term administration, clobazam and N-desmethylclobazam are transferred into breast milk.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Administration of clobazam to rats prior to and during mating and early gestation resulted in adverse effects on fertility and early embryonic development at plasma exposures for clobazam and its major active metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam, below those in humans at the MRHD [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in patients less than 2 years of age have not been established.

In a study in which clobazam (0 mg/kg/day, 4 mg/kg/day, 36 mg/kg/day, or 120 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to rats during the juvenile period of development (postnatal days 14 to 48), adverse effects on growth (decreased bone density and bone length) and behavior (altered motor activity and auditory startle response; learning deficit) were observed at the high dose. The effect on bone density, but not on behavior, was reversible when drug was discontinued. The no-effect level for juvenile toxicity (36 mg/kg/day) was associated with plasma exposures (AUC) to clobazam and its major active metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam, less than those expected at therapeutic doses in pediatric patients.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of clobazam did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. However, elderly subjects appear to eliminate clobazam more slowly than younger subjects based on population pharmacokinetic analysis. For these reasons, the initial dose in elderly patients should be 5 mg/day. Patients should be titrated initially to 10 mg/day to 20 mg/day. Patients may be titrated further to a maximum daily dose of 40 mg if tolerated [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.6 CYP2C19 Poor Metabolizers

Concentrations of clobazam’s active metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam, are higher in CYP2C19 poor metabolizers than in extensive metabolizers. For this reason, dosage modification is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.7 Renal Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of clobazam were evaluated in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment. There were no significant differences in systemic exposure (AUC and Cmax ) between patients with mild or moderate renal impairment and healthy subjects. No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild and moderate renal impairment. There is essentially no experience with clobazam in patients with severe renal impairment or ESRD. It is not known if clobazam or its active metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam, is dialyzable [see Dosage and Administration (2.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.8 Hepatic Impairment

Clobazam is hepatically metabolized; however, there are limited data to characterize the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of clobazam. For this reason, dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5 to 9). There is inadequate information about metabolism of clobazam in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

9.1 Controlled Substance

Clobazam tablets contain clobazam which is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

Clobazam can be abused in a similar manner as other benzodiazepines, such as diazepam.

The pharmacological profile of clobazam is similar to that of other benzodiazepines listed in Schedule IV of the Controlled Substance Act, particularly in its potentiation of GABAergic transmission through its action on GABAA receptors, which leads to sedation and somnolence.

The World Health Organization epidemiology database contains reports of drug abuse, misuse, and overdoses associated with clobazam.

Drug abuse is the intentional non-therapeutic use of a drug, repeatedly or even sporadically, for its rewarding psychological or physiological effects.

9.3 Dependence

Dependence

Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested by a specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing blood levels of the drug, and/or administration of an antagonist. In clinical trials, cases of dependency were reported following abrupt discontinuation of clobazam.

The risk of dependence is present even with use of clobazam at the recommended dose range over periods of only a few weeks. The risk of dependence increases with increasing dose and duration of treatment. The risk of dependence is increased in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

W i t hd r a w al

Abrupt discontinuation of clobazam causes withdrawal symptoms. As with other benzodiazepines, clobazam should be withdrawn gradually [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

In clobazam clinical pharmacology trials in healthy volunteers, the most common withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation were headache, tremor, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, drug withdrawal syndrome, palpitations, and diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Other withdrawal reactions to clobazam reported in the literature include restlessness, panic attacks, profuse sweating, difficulty in concentrating, nausea and dry retching, weight loss, blurred vision, photophobia, and muscle pain and stiffness. In general, benzodiazepine withdrawal may cause seizures, psychosis, and hallucinations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

10 OVERDOSAGE

10.1 Signs and Symptoms of Overdosage

Overdose and intoxication with benzodiazepines, including clobazam, may lead to CNS depression, associated with drowsiness, confusion and lethargy, possibly progressing to ataxia, respiratory depression, hypotension, and, rarely, coma or death. The risk of a fatal outcome is increased in cases of combined poisoning with other CNS depressants, including opioids and alcohol.

10.2 Management of Overdosage

The management of clobazam overdose may include gastric lavage and/or administration of activated charcoal, intravenous fluid replenishment, early control of airway and general supportive measures, in addition to monitoring level of consciousness and vital signs. Hypotension can be treated by replenishment with plasma substitutes and, if necessary, with sympathomimetic agents.

The efficacy of supplementary administration of physostigmine (a cholinergic agent) or of flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antagonist) in clobazam overdose has not been assessed. The administration of flumazenil in cases of benzodiazepine overdose can lead to withdrawal and adverse reactions. Its use in patients with epilepsy is typically not recommended.

11 DESCRIPTION

Table 4 Description

Structural Formula:

Established Name: Clobazam Tablets
Dosage Forms: Tablet
Route of Administration: Oral
Established Pharmacologic Class of Drug: Benzodiazepine
Chemical Name: 7-Chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,5 benzodiazepine-2,4(3H,5H)-dione
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Clobazam is a white or almost white, crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste; is insoluble in water, freely soluble in methylene chloride and sparingly soluble in alcohol. The melting range of clobazam is from 182ºC to 185ºC. The molecular formula is C16 H13 O2 N2 Cl and the molecular weight is 300.7.

Each clobazam tablet contains 10 mg or 20 mg of clobazam and contains following inactive ingredients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and talc.

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