Drug interactions
Clorazepate + Ethanol
Severity: Major
Clorazepate and Ethanol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Alcohol potentiates benzodiazepine-induced sedation, impaired coordination and respiratory depression. Heavy intake with clorazepate can cause dangerous CNS depression, accidents and overdose.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clorazepate and Ethanol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via GABA-A receptor potentiation.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol entirely during clorazepate therapy. Warn against driving or operating machinery.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Clorazepate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clorazepate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clorazepate Major
- Alprazolam + Clorazepate Major
- Amobarbital + Clorazepate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clorazepate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clorazepate with Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clorazepate and Ethanol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Alcohol potentiates benzodiazepine-induced sedation, impaired coordination and respiratory depression. Heavy intake with clorazepate can cause dangerous CNS depression, accidents and overdose.
How serious is the interaction between Clorazepate and Ethanol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid alcohol entirely during clorazepate therapy. Warn against driving or operating machinery.
What other medicines interact with Clorazepate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clorazepate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clorazepate page.
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