Onfi (Clobazam) for Epilepsy

Overview
Onfi is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a severe form of epilepsy, in people 2 years of age and older. It is not approved as a primary or sole treatment for epilepsy. Onfi is also known by its drug name, clobazam.

Onfi belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which affect the central nervous system. It works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that helps calm excessive electrical activity in the brain, thereby reducing seizure frequency.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Onfi is available as oral tablets or an oral suspension. The medication can be taken with or without food. Dosing size and scheduling varies depending on a person’s weight. Tablets may be taken whole, broken in half along the score, or crushed and mixed with applesauce. The oral suspension should be measured using the provided adapter and dosing syringe. Onfi should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Onfi include constipation, drowsiness, sedation, fever, lethargy (lack of energy), and excessive drooling.

Rare but serious side effects may include severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, neonatal sedation and withdrawal syndrome (if used during pregnancy), and central nervous system depression, which can be worsened by alcohol or other sedating drugs. Abruptly stopping Onfi may cause withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.

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Label: Onfi — Clobazam Tablet; Onfi — Clobazam Suspension — DailyMed