Clorazepate
Risk Factor: D
Class: CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DRUGS
/ Sedatives and Hypnotics
Contents of this page:
Fetal Risk Summary
Breast Feeding Summary
References
Questions and Answers
Fetal Risk Summary
Clorazepate is a member of the benzodiazepine class of agents. No teratogenic effects were observed in two species of animals fed large doses of the drug during gestation. However, cases of congenital malformations in humans after in utero exposure to other benzodiazepines (e.g., see Chlordiazepoxide and Diazepam) have been reported.
One report described multiple anomalies in an infant exposed to clorazepate during the 1st trimester (1). Exposure may have commenced as early as the 3rd week of gestation (5th week after the last menstrual period). The woman reportedly consumed 23 doses of the drug during the 1st trimester. Deformities present in the infant at birth were distended abdomen, oval mass in the suprapubic area, skin tag at site of penis without a urethral opening, absent scrotum and anus, marked shortening of the right thigh, bifid distal part of left foot, left great toe abnormality, right foot with four toes and an abnormal great toe, short digit attached to right finger in place of the thumb on left hand, deformities of the sacrum and fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae with a narrowed pelvis, underdeveloped right femur, absent right fibula, absence of two left metacarpal bones, hypoplasia of first right metacarpal bone, patent ductus arteriosus, absence of right lung lobe, cecum, rectum, and right kidney, and the presence of several supernumerary spleens. The infant expired 24 hours after birth.
In an unconfirmed, retrospective report of oral contraceptive drug interactions, one woman became pregnant while taking a combination tablet of ethinyl estradiol 80 g/norethindrone 1 mg (2). The only other medications consumed immediately prior to the pregnancy were clorazepate and an unidentified cold tablet. The authors speculated that a possible interaction may have occurred between the antihistamine in the cold tablet and the contraceptive. Although the woman claimed she did not miss any doses of the oral contraceptive, there was no confirmation of compliance. Interpretation of this interaction, if it exists, is not possible.
Breast Feeding Summary
No data are available. Other benzodiazepines accumulate in human milk, and adverse effects in the nursing infant have been reported (see Diazepam). The excretion of clorazepate in milk should be expected. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers other benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam) to be drugs whose effect on the nursing infant is unknown but may be of concern (3).
References
- Patel DA, Patel AR. Clorazepate and congenital malformations. JAMA 1980;244:1356.
- DeSano EA Jr, Hurley SC. Possible interactions of antihistamines and antibiotics with oral contraceptive effectiveness. Fertil Steril 1982;37:8534.
-
Committee on Drugs, American Academy of Pediatrics. The transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics 1994;93:13750.
Questions and Answers
clorazepate and diazepam are excreted in the urine primarily as what metabolites?,
I believe drug metabolites.
Been to rehab lately? And I don't mean that as being cruel.
Could diazepam be detected in a urine screen if I have been taking clorazepate as well?,
I'm not 100% sure, but since they are both classified as benzodiazepines I don't believe so. You would probably just test positive for benzodiazepines. (The levels would obviously be shown as higher though.)
Questions about clorazepate?, I've been taking clorazepate 7.5mg i was wondering how it compared Ativan 1mg because i am taking both to see which one works better but i would like a some ideas.. One last question does clorazepate cause rashes? If so it is something i need to worry about?
Before Using This Medicine: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking HIV protease inhibitors. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking clozapine, disulfiram, nefazodone, rifampin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
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can you differentiate between clorazepate and diazepam in urinalysis?,
Routine urine drug screens test for classes of drugs such as opiates (narcotics), ampthetamines or benzodiazepines like those you mentioned. Further testing can be done to specify the exact drug but is expensive, time consuming and usually not necessary.
Has anyone ever been on Clorazepate (Tranxene)?, I have read a little about it on the internet and I want to know people's opinions. I have shaky hands that get worse in various situations. People often comment on them which makes it harder for me.
If you have any information rather than copy and pasting a wikipedia article it would be much appreciated.
If you have been on it, how did it work for you? Side effects?
Thanx
Tranxene is a type of benzodiazepine. its in the same family as Valium and Ativan. Its main use is an anti-anxiety agent. however Valium and Ativan is much better for this. My guess is that if other benzodiazepines don't work they will put you on this.
It is also used for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
could clorazepate cause a false positive for diazepam in GC/MS urinalysis because of their similar make up?,
Do you mean clorazepam? If so the answer is yes because both drugs belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazapines. If you take one or the other the urine test is not fined tuned enough to tell which one you took. So you would show positive.
my doctor just prescribed me clorazepate 3.75 mg for my anxiety and panic attacks., she said i would only have to take it when im having a panic attack. but on the bottle it says take everyday. this isnt a type of anti-depressant is it? and is it even a strong enough dose to help me. if anyone knows anything about this medication please just fill me in. thank you.
Listen to the doctor that prescribed it rather than the directions on the label, unless the doctor goes beyond the directions on the label to suggest you take more than that. In everything I read, it seems to be more of a relaxant than an actual anti-depressant.
Has anyone ever taken Tranxene (clorazepate)?, My doctor has just put me on this. How does it make you feel? Will it make me sleepy or feel high? I'm not looking to get high, I am just curious. I have never taken this before. It's a 7.5mg dose. It says to take half of the tablet.
As the first person mentioned, it is a benzodiazepine derivative similar to Xanax, Ativan or Valium. You will get slightly drowsy but the drowsiness should go away after a couple of weeks. There isn't any real peak effect so you shouldn't get a "high". Avoid alcohol while on the medication and be careful driving or operating machinery. Also, keep the tablets out of the air because moisture in the air tends to cause the tablets to break up and form powder after prolonged exposure to moist air.
