Clorazepate
Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?
Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine. This class of medicines is used to slow down the nervous system. Clorazepate is used to relieve anxiety, as a hypnotic-sedative agent and as an anti-convulsant.
How do I give this medication?
"It is extremely important to administer this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian."
- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.
- Try not to miss giving any doses. It is extremely important to administer this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.
What do I do if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
How do I store this medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
- Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
What are the potential side effects?
- The most common side effects include drowsiness and muscular inco-ordination. These effects occur infrequently, are mild and usually pass with time.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Are there any possible drug interactions?
"If your pet needs to take clorazepate and an antacid, separate the administration of each medicine by at least two hours."
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
- Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- The following drugs can potentially interact with clorazepate: other CNS depressants, antacids, cimetidine, erythromycin, and rifampin.
- If your pet needs to take clorazepate and an antacid, separate the administration of each medicine by at least two hours.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 8, 2016.