ZODIAC

ZODIAC is a benzodiazepine that works by increasing the activity of a naturally occurring chemical in the brain. As GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, this results in increased inhibition of the ascending reticular activating system. Benzodiazepines, in this way, block the cortical and limbic arousal that occurs following stimulation of the reticular pathways.

ZODIAC is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability- 90% Maximum plasma concentrations-1 to 4 hours Approximately 85% bound to plasma proteins ZODIAC is highly metabolized, with less than 2% unchanged clonazepam being excreted in the urine. Elimination half-life: 30 to 40 hours.

Seizure Disorders Adults: The initial dose for adults with seizure disorders should not exceed 1.5 mg/day divided into three doses. Dosage may be increased in increments of 0.5 to 1 mg every 3 days until seizures are adequately controlled or until side effects preclude any further increase. Maintenance dosage must be individualized for each patient depending upon response. Maximum recommended daily dose is 20mg. The use of multiple anticonvulsants may result in an increase of depressant adverse effects. This should be considered before adding ZODIAC to an existing anticonvulsant regimen. Pediatric Patients: ZODIAC is administered orally. In order to minimize drowsiness, the initial dose for infants and children (up to 10 years of age or 30kg of body weight) should be between 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg/day but not to exceed 0.05 mg/kg/day given in two or three divided doses. Dosage should be increased by no more than 0.25 to 0.5 mg every third day until a daily maintenance dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg of body weight has been reached, unless seizures are controlled or side effects preclude further increase. Whenever possible, the daily dose should be divided, the largest dose should be given before retiring. Geriatric Patients: In general, elderly patients should be started on low doses of ZODIAC and observed closely. Panic Disorder Adults: The initial dose for adults with panic disorder is 0.25 mg bid. It is possible that some individual patients may benefit from doses of up to a maximum dose of 4 mg/day, and in those instances, the dose may be increased in increments of 0.125 to 0.25 mg bid every 3 days until panic disorder is controlled or until side effects make further increases undesired. Treatment should be discontinued gradually, with a decrease of 0.125 mg bid every 3 days, until the drug is completely withdrawn. Geriatric Patients: In general, elderly patients should be started on low doses of ZODIAC and observed closely.

Available in 0.25 and 0.5mg tablet. Each strip contains 10 tablets