The Basics
What is Clorazepate?
Used to treat anxiety disorders, partial seizures, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Brand names for Clorazepate
Tranxene
How Clorazepate is classified
Hypnotics and Sedatives, Anti-Anxiety Agents, Benzodiazepines
Clorazepate During Pregnancy
Clorazepate pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Clorazepate while pregnant
N/A
Taking Clorazepate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Clorazepate?
Clorazepate is excreted into breastmilk and appears to accumulate in the serum of breastfed infants. Because the half-life of clorazepate and its active metabolite are long, timing breastfeeding with respect to the dose is of little or no benefit in reducing infant exposure. Other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Clorazepate is excreted into breastmilk and appears to accumulate in the serum of breastfed infants. Because the half-life of clorazepate and its active metabolite are long, timing breastfeeding with respect to the dose is of little or no benefit in reducing infant exposure. Other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Clorazepate on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Clorazepate
Lorazepam, Oxazepam.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Rey E, Giraux P, d’Athis P, et al. Pharmacokinetics of the placental transfer and distribution of clorazepate and its metabolite nordiazepam into the feto-placental unit and in the neonate. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1979;15:181-5. PMID: 37090
2. Erkkola R, Kanto J. Diazepam and breast-feeding. Lancet. 1972;299:1235-6. Letter. PMID: 4113217
3. Wesson DR, Camber S, Harkey M et al. Diazepam and desmethyldiazepam in breast milk. J Psychoactive Drugs. 1985;17:55-6. PMID: 3920372
4. Patrick MJ, Tilstone WJ, Reavey P. Diazepam and breast-feeding. Lancet. 1972;299:542-3. Letter. PMID: 4110044
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
