[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/) › Clobazam

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/)

# Clobazam

A 1,5-benzodiazepine used as add-on treatment for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It sedates and, with opioids, can stop breathing.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/)
- Receptor: GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- ATC code: N05BA09

◎**GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site**Clobazam

ⓘ The figure shows diazepam, a benzodiazepine that occupies the same site, bound to the human GABA-A receptor (α1β2γ2) with GABA; no structure with clobazam is available.

**Target in 3D:** GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site. PDB structure 6X3X (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/6X3X) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## Mechanism of action

Clobazam binds the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor, between the α and γ subunits. It makes GABA open the chloride channel more readily, strengthening inhibition. It is a 1,5-benzodiazepine, structurally different from classic 1,4-benzodiazepines such as diazepam.

- Binds the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor
- GABA opens the chloride channel more readily
- More chloride enters and the neuron is inhibited
- Seizures, including drop attacks, become less frequent

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Absorbed by mouth

**Metabolism**
In the liver to N-desmethylclobazam, an active metabolite broken down by CYP2C19

**Half-life**
About 36 to 42 hours for clobazam and 71 to 82 hours for N-desmethylclobazam

## Indications

- Add-on treatment of seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome [Epilepsy and seizures →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/epilepsy-and-seizures/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Sleepiness and sedation
- Tiredness and poor coordination
- Drooling and difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Change in appetite, vomiting and constipation

### Serious (rare, important)

- Profound sedation, respiratory depression and death with opioids
- Abuse, misuse, dependence and withdrawal reactions
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
- DRESS (multi-organ hypersensitivity)
- Suicidal thoughts

## Contraindications

- Hypersensitivity to clobazam

## Key interactions

**Opioids**
Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death

**Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants**
More sedation and respiratory depression

**Hormonal contraceptives**
Clobazam can make them less effective; a non-hormonal method is added

**Strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors**
More active metabolite; the dose may need adjustment

## What is monitored

- Sedation and breathing, especially with opioids
- Signs of misuse or dependence
- Skin reactions, especially in the first weeks
- Mood and suicidal thoughts

## Administration and safety

- Given by mouth as tablets or liquid
- Controlled medicine (benzodiazepine)
- Withdrawn gradually: stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal reactions and seizures

## Nursing care

- Check alertness, breathing and swallowing, especially in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Ask about opioid use before each new prescription
- Teach the family to report rash, blisters or fever
- Teach not to stop suddenly

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use late in pregnancy can cause sedation and withdrawal in the newborn.

## Memory aid

Clobazam: «Clo-BAZ-am, Lennox's BZD» – a benzodiazepine aimed at Lennox-Gastaut, dangerous with opioids.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## For which epilepsy syndrome is clobazam mainly used?

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, as add-on treatment.

## Why is clobazam combined with opioids only with great caution?

Benzodiazepines plus opioids can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.

## Which enzyme breaks down clobazam's active metabolite?

CYP2C19; poor metabolizers and people on CYP2C19 inhibitors have higher levels of N-desmethylclobazam.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/clobazam/)

## Related drugs

- [Phenobarbital](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/phenobarbital/)
- [Felbamate](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/felbamate/)

## Related conditions

- [Epilepsy and seizures](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/epilepsy-and-seizures/)

[← Back to the class: Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Clobazam: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612008.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2025); [DailyMed - CLOBAZAM tablet](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6783eaa8-e236-4957-aaa9-b42bf8e709a7) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N05BA09) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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