Urbanol is the brand name for a medication called clobazam. Clobazam belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system depressants. It is primarily used as an anticonvulsant or anti-epileptic drug.
Urbanol is commonly prescribed to treat various types of seizures, including epilepsy. It works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain, which helps to reduce the excessive electrical activity that can lead to seizures.
In addition to its anticonvulsant properties, Urbanol may also be prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It can help relieve symptoms of anxiety by producing a calming effect on the central nervous system.
It’s important to note that Urbanol is a prescription medication and should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Like other benzodiazepines, it can have potential side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and dependency with long-term use. The dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by a doctor based on the individual’s specific condition and needs.
Boxed warnings
This drug has three boxed warnings, which are described below. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Risk of harm from the use of opioids. Urbanol is a benzodiazepine. Taking benzodiazepines with opioids can increase your risk of severe side effects, such as trouble breathing, slowed breathing, and excessive sleepiness. Combining these two types of drugs can increase your risk of coma and can be fatal.
Risk of addiction and misuse
Urbanol is a controlled substance and is classified as a Schedule IV prescription drug. This means it has some risk of misuse and addiction.
Risk of dependence and withdrawal
Treatment with Urbanol can lead to dependence. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual. Dependence can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped suddenly.
What is the dosage of Urbanol?
| Schedule | Urbanol dosage for people who weigh 30 kg or less | Urbanol dosage for people who weigh more than 30 kg |
| Days 1 to 6 | 5 mg once daily | 5 mg twice daily |
| Days 7 to 13 | 5 mg twice daily | 10 mg twice daily |
| Day 14 and beyond | increase as needed, up to a maximum of 10 mg twice daily | increase as needed, up to a maximum of 20 mg twice daily |
What strengths does Urbanol come in?
Urbanol tablets come in two strengths: 10 mg and 20 mg. The tablets are scored so that they can be cut in half if needed for your prescribed dose.
What are the usual dosages of Urbanol?
Urbanol has a dosing schedule for the first 2 weeks of treatment to help your body get used to the medication. After that, your doctor will continue to adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
Dosage for seizures
Adults who are first starting Urbanol treatment will usually begin with a dosage of 5 mg taken twice per day. On day 7, the dosage is increased to 10 mg taken twice per day. This is continued for another 6 days.
After this initial period, the dosage is increased as needed to find the right maintenance dosage that manages the seizures. With each dosage increase, that dosage is continued for at least 1 week before it’s increased again. The maximum dosage of Urbanol in people who weigh more than 30 kg is 30 mg taken twice per day.
Is Urbanol used long-term?
Yes, Urbanol is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long-term.
Dosage adjustments
The dosage of Urbanol may be started at a lower dosage and increased at a slower rate or to a lower maximum dosage if you:
• are age 65 years and older
• are known to breakdown certain medications slowly because of decreased activity of a liver enzyme* called CYP2C19
• have liver problems
* An enzyme is a type of protein.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Urbanol’s dosage.
Can Urbanol be used for anxiety? If so, what is the dosage?
In some cases, yes. Urbanol is a benzodiazepine, and this group of drugs is often used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. But taking Urbanol for anxiety would be an off-label use of the medication. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
Drug manufacturers only provide dosage instructions for approved uses. If you have questions about taking Urbanol for anxiety, talk with your doctor.
Is Urbanol approved for febrile seizures?
No, Urbanol is not approved for febrile seizures. Urbanol is a benzodiazepine like diazepam, a drug that’s used to prevent and treat recurrent febrile seizures. But taking Urbanol to prevent recurrent febrile seizures would be an off-label use of the medication.
It’s unlikely Urbanol would be used to treat an active febrile seizure. Urbanol is only available as a tablet or liquid solution. Both forms are usually swallowed. When giving a drug to stop a febrile seizure, benzodiazepine gels that can be given rectally are generally safer.
If you have questions about taking Urbanol for febrile seizures, talk with your doctor.
What factors can affect my dosage?
The dosage of Urbanol you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
• how well do your seizures respond to the medication
• your body weight
• your age*
• other conditions you may have*
You can take Urbanol with or without food.
Urbanol tablets are scored, which means they can be cut in half for your prescribed dose. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, Urbanol tablets can be crushed and mixed in applesauce
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
• have a large print or use braille
• feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Urbanol in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Urbanol, you should take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose. You should not take two doses of Urbanol at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
If you have questions about missing a dose and aren’t sure if you should take the missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Urbanol on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Is there a risk of misuse with Urbanol?
Urbanol is a controlled substance and is classified as a Schedule IV prescription drug. This means it has some risk of misuse and addiction. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. And with addiction, a drug is used even though it may be causing harm. Urbanol has a boxed warning for these risks.
Urbanol is a benzodiazepine. The misuse of benzodiazepines, including Urbanol, increases the risk of breathing problems, overdose, and even death. Misuse of Urbanol is especially dangerous when taken with other medications, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
If you have questions about the risk of misuse and addiction, talk with your doctor. For some people with a history of addiction, a treatment other than Urbanol may be recommended.
What should be done in case of an overdose?
Do not take more Urbanol than your doctor prescribes as this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
• drowsiness
• confusion
• problems with coordination, balance, and speech
• agitation
• shallow, slow breathing
A severe overdose, alone or in combination with certain other substances such as alcohol and opioids, can cause a coma and may be fatal.
What to do in case you take too much Urbanol
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Urbanol. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Urbanol and withdrawal and dependence
If you abruptly lower your dosage or suddenly stop taking Urbanol, you can experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and status epilepticus. These are side effects that can occur once your body has become dependent on Urbanol.
Urbanol has a boxed warning for this risk. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You should not change your dosage or stop taking Urbanol without discussing it with your doctor first.
If you and your doctor decide to lower your dosage of Urbanol or end your treatment, your doctor will taper your dosage (gradually lower your dosage over time). Each week, your daily dosage will be decreased by 5 mg or 10 mg.
If you develop any withdrawal symptoms, your dosage may be briefly increased again, and then the taper started again at a slower pace. This will all be done under the supervision of your doctor.
If you have any other questions about Urbanol and withdrawal and dependence, talk with your doctor.
What should I ask my doctor?
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Urbanol for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Urbanol without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Urbanol exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
• Would taking a higher dosage of Urbanol increase my risk of side effects?
• What if Urbanol still isn’t managing my seizures at the maximum dosage?
• Do my other seizure drugs affect the recommended dosage of Urbanol?
