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Clorazepate

Benzodiazepine Anticonvulsant / Anxiolytic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Prodrug rapidly converted to nordazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor function providing anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects.

At a glance

Class
Benzodiazepine Anticonvulsant / Anxiolytic
Schedule
Controlled Substance
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from moisture and light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Adjunct anticonvulsant with phenobarbital
Dose
0.5–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q12h or as needed
🐈

Cat

Less commonly used in cats
Dose
0.5–1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q12–24h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from moisture and light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Seizure frequencySedation levelHepatic enzymesBody weight
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Tranxene

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Clorazepate?
Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant / anxiolytic used in pets. Prodrug rapidly converted to nordazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor function providing anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects.
What is Clorazepate used for in pets?
Clorazepate is used in veterinary medicine for: Adjunct anticonvulsant with phenobarbital; Less commonly used in cats.
What is the Clorazepate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Clorazepate is typically dosed as follows — Adjunct anticonvulsant with phenobarbital: 0.5–2 mg/kg PO q12h or as needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Clorazepate dose for cats?
For cats, Clorazepate is typically dosed as follows — Less commonly used in cats: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Clorazepate need a prescription?
Clorazepate is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Benzodiazepine Anticonvulsant / Anxiolytic).

Clonazepam
Enhances GABA-A receptor function by binding the benzodiazepine allosteric site, increasing chloride channel opening. Potent anticonvulsant with longer duration than diazepam.
dogcat
Lorazepam
Intermediate-acting benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor function. Conjugated directly by glucuronidation (no CYP450 oxidative metabolism) — safer in hepatic disease than diazepam. Potent anxiolytic and anticonvulsant.
dogcat
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